Olive oil jugs and dipping bowls to be ‘banned' by European Commission
Jugs of olive oil and dipping bowls will disappear from restaurant tables across Europe next year, after a controversial ruling by the European Commission.
From 1 January 2014, restaurants will only be allowed to serve olive oil in pre-packaged, factory bottles with a "tamper-proof" dispensing nozzle, which adhere to EU labelling standards, according the Daily Telegraph.
The European Commission said that the ban, which falls under Common Agriculture Policy regulations, was being undertaken on the grounds of "hygiene" as well as to protect the "image of olive oil".
European Commission spokesman Oliver Bailly said the move would benefit consumers.
"We are just making clear that when you want to have olive oil of a certain quality in a restaurant, you get exactly the one you are paying for."
The ruling means that traditional refillable jugs and dipping bowls will be banned.