Lab tests have revealed that one-third of olive oils for sale in Canada do not meet quality standards, according to a report citing chemical analyses by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
A Canadian television show has reported that one-third of olive oils for sale in Canada don’t meet the quality standards set by the International Olive Council (IOC).
The television show, L’epicerie, which is broadcast by the French language service of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), ran the segment in March on olive oil quality.
Researchers for the program obtained information available to consumers under the Access to Information Act on the results of chemical analyses of olive oil samples conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Ottawa, the Canadian capital.
After pouring over 1,000 pages of documents, they learned that 33 percent of samples analyzed by the CFIA did not meet quality standards due to adulteration or mislabeling.
The official lab reports disclosed that large amounts of other types of vegetable oils were detected in samples. During the show, a scientist from the inspection agency confirmed that a lab analysis of olive oil samples showed that they contained traces of sunflower oil.
Other samples that were not in conformance with international standards had been adulterated with other vegetable oils like canola and wrongly labeled as extra virgin olive oil, or were found to be rancid or past their sell-by date. Some of the adulterated brands exposed on the show included Caruso by ItalCan, and Villa Toscanella by Simon & Nolan.
Over a period of ten years, the CFIA tested 550 olive oil samples from 140 different brands, with 44 brands found to fall short of quality standards. CFIA’s laboratory is the only one in Canada certified by the IOC to conduct olive oil analyses.
The names of food products not meeting quality standards are published on Health Canada’s website, and the companies at fault were given a deadline to rectify the problem and comply with requirements or risk penalty. But unfortunately, the CFIA does not have the resources to retest the products that were deemed to fall short of standards.
More articles on: olive oil quality, olive oil standards
May. 9, 2023
Focus on Quality Yields Success for Producers in France
Despite a sharp drop in production due to Europe’s prolonged drought, the number of French entries at the World Competition has progressively increased over the years.
Nov. 15, 2023
Trade Group Announces Olive Oil Quality Testing Initiative
Faced with low supply and high prices, the North American Olive Oil Association says it seeks to deter dishonest actors.
Sep. 26, 2023
How Monovarietal Olive Oils Promote Ecological Farming, Safeguard Landscapes
Producing monovarietal extra virgin olive oil promotes endemic varieties, which require fewer phytosanitary interventions, preserve landscapes and promote biodiversity.
Apr. 9, 2024
Slovenian Producers Celebrate Award-Winning Finish to Challenging Harvest
While Slovenia's production fell 20 percent below average, two producers overcame inclement weather and pests to produce award-winning extra virgin olive oil.
May. 17, 2023
Californians Navigate a Challenging Harvest Committed to Quality
Producers across California overcame frost, drought and rising prices to yield some of the world’s best extra virgin olive oils.
Jun. 12, 2023
Tracking the Rise of Olive Oil in Japan
The rising quantity and quality of olive oil production in Japan presents opportunities for local farmers as well as European exporters.
Jul. 11, 2023
Ever Higher Quality Rewarded at Eighth EVO IOOC Italy in Calabria
Producers from Italy and Brazil received the highest honors at the eight EVO IOOC Italy. Judges agreed that the quality is improving.
May. 2, 2023
Latest Awards Confirm the Rising Quality of Croatian Extra Virgin Olive Oils
Producers from Croatia remained among the most awarded at the 2023 World Olive Oil Competition, despite their much smaller production than some other participating countries.