(a) The provisions of this subpart shall not be applicable to processed olives on hand on the effective date of this subpart but only if the identity of such olives is maintained and such olives are not commingled with olives processed after such effective date in the production of packaged olives. However, olives on hand on such effective date that are commingled with olives processed after such date and are used in the production of packaged olives shall be subject to all relevant provisions applicable to the handling of packaged olives.

(b) Upon the basis of the recommendation submitted by the committee or from other available information, the Secretary may relieve from any or all requirements under this part the handling of olives in such minimum quantities, in such types of shipments, or for such specified purposes (including shipments to facilitate the conduct of marketing research and development projects established pursuant to § 932.45) as the committee with the approval of the Secretary may prescribe.

(c) The committee, with the approval of the Secretary, shall prescribe rules, regulations, and safeguards as it may deem necessary to ensure that olives exempted under the provisions of this section are handled only as authorized.