1. Refined Oils
Refined means that the oil has been chemically treated to neutralize strong tastes (characterized as defects) and neutralize the acid content (free fatty acids).
2. Virgin Oils
Virgin means the oil was produced by the use of physical means and no chemical treatment. It has acidity less than 2%, and judged to have a good taste.
3. Organic Oils
Organic means the oils are produced according to certain production standards and must not be genetically modified.
For vegetable crops, it means they were grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers, human waste, or sewage sludge and that they were processed without ionizing radiation or food additives.
Organic oil production is legally regulated. Currently, the United States, the European Union, Japan and many other countries require producers to obtain Organic Certification in order to market oils as organic.