Does "best before" date embody extra-virgin olive oil freshness?

Virgin olive oil (VOO) decays in quality properties during aging, so aged VOOs may have detectable undesirable sensory descriptors in comparison with oils recently extracted. For that reason, freshness has become a parameter of paramount importance to maintain the highest standard levels within the period indicated in the "best before" date. However, it is important to note that freshness of VOOs is not necessarily related to its sensory quality. Pigments have been suggested for tracing aging of VOO, and pyropheophytin a (PPP) seems to be the most promising molecule for this task. A predictive model has been used to estimate %PPP in VOO stored at different worldwide locations characterized with different temperatures. The recorded average temperatures, on a monthly basis, were inputs of the predictive model. The results show the influence of temperature in %PPP and how this molecule could serve as a better monitor of the storage period of VOOs. The initial value of %PPP in the oil could help to carry out the storage traceability. This information would be of interest for producers, sellers, and inspection agencies.