Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Farming reported that sixty-four percent of olive oil analyzed in the last two years did not meet the quality standards required by their labeling.
An investigation by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Farming’s (MAP) revealed widespread mislabeling of olive oil products being sold in the country where olive oil consumption has risen sharply in recent years.
The MAP report confirmed that 45 brands of olive oil, out of 140 analyzed in the last two years, did not meet the quality required by their labeling.
The highest incidences of olive oil fraud occurred in São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina and the Federal District; areas with large numbers of packaging companies. Fraud was rife among bottlers who import olive oil in bulk, mainly from Argentina.
The investigation exposed companies in Paraná that had marketed “olive oil” which was composed of 85 percent soybean oil and 15 percent lampante oil, a grade not fit for human consumption until it is further refined.
MAP analyzed 322,329 liters of olive oil samples collected from 12 Brazilian states and found 207,579 liters (64 percent) to be substandard. The fraudulent brands included; Astorga, Carrefour, Almeirim and Conde de Torres.
114,750 liters of olive oil from brands deemed to be authentic included Andorinha, Aro, Apolo, Borges, Belo Porto and Carrefour Discount.
The substandard olive oil was seized and the fraudsters were reported to the Public Ministry. A police investigation will be launched, with offenders facing fines of up to $170,000.
Brazil’s clamp down on fake olive oil was stepped up this month. MAP targeted and collected samples from companies that have shown irregularities over the past two years. In the first week of April, 243,000 liters of suspect olive oil were collected for analysis.
According to Luis Rangel, the secretary of agriculture and livestock at Map, the results revealed the efficiency of the authorities in identifying irregularities and their commitment to preventing substandard olive oil from reaching consumers.
The olive oil was analyzed by the National Agricultural and Livestock Laboratories (LANAGRO) of Rio Grande do Sul and Goiás.
The Ministry advised consumers to be suspicious if olive oil was sold at below standard prices and to check labels to see where the product was packaged.
Brazil is still reeling from a meat scandal earlier this year. The “Flesh is weak” investigation revealed that rotting meat was being sold as fit for consumption. The meat was treated with chemicals to mask its odor and improve its appearance.
Officials were accused of taking bribes in return for turning a blind eye to violations and issuing fraudulent sanitary permits and falsified documents. The scandal led to many countries banning imports of meat from Brazil.
More articles on: Brazil, olive oil adulteration, olive oil fraud
Aug. 26, 2024
Italian Police Official Explains How Olive Oil Fraud Works
As the ways in which olive oil fraud is perpetrated have evolved, law enforcement has worked hard to keep up.
Dec. 12, 2023
Authorities in Brazil Seize 9,000 Bottles of Fraudulent Olive Oil
The seizure comes two weeks after a separate raid where 16,000 liters of product marketed as extra virgin olive oil and deemed unfit for human consumption was destroyed.
May. 1, 2024
Australian Olive Association Implements Quality Monitoring Program
The program aims to assure Australians that olive oils are correctly labeled and meet the necessary standards at a time of increasing prices.
Jan. 29, 2024
Verde Louro Among Brazil's New Generation of Outstanding Producers
In Rio Grande do Sul, the young producer overcame climate extremes to win four awards at the World Olive Oil Competition.
Dec. 5, 2024
An Accusation of Widespread Fraud Sparks Controversy in Spain
The general secretary of the giant Spanish cooperative Dcoop accused bottlers of selling sunflower oil blends labeled as olive oil.
Mar. 19, 2024
Growers in Croatia Await Contest Results
Industry advocates and producers see the NYIOOC as a way to showcase Croatia's quality and combat adulteration and fraud.
Nov. 12, 2024
Olive Leaf Moth Threatens Brazilian Crops: Researchers Seek Solutions
Brazilian researchers have discovered a dual solution to combat the olive leaf moth: a new eco-friendly insecticide and the strategic use of local wasp species as natural predators.
Apr. 9, 2024
Discovery of Adulterated Olive Oil Kindles Debate Over Testing in Northern Cyprus
High olive oil prices and an import ban by the de facto state have created fertile ground for unscrupulous actor’s in the local market.