Don't Be Fooled By Poor Quality Olive Oil - Look For These Certifications On The Label - Tasting Table

"As the price of olive oil continues to skyrocket, international crime rings infiltrate the market with fraudulent or adulterated olive oil. In 2023, Italian inspectors found 380 tons of counterfeit virgin olive oil worth 2 million Euros, accusing 17 individuals of mislabeling and phony advertising. That same year, Italian and Spanish authorities arrested 11 suspects after they seized 260,000 liters of olive oil that was likely blended with seed oils or even lampante - a much lower-quality oil historically used as fuel for lamps."

"Fortunately, you can avoid buying lesser-quality olive oil by checking for certifications on the bottle's label. Ninety-nine percent of olive oil produced in the U.S. comes from California, and the California Olive Oil Council has very strict requirements for certification of extra virgin olive oil. The COOC's unmissable gold seal assures buyers that they're purchasing 100% pure virgin olive oil. You can also look for the National American Olive Oil Association seal, which randomly tests participants' olive oil at least twice a year."

Olive oil prices have risen and international crime rings increasingly supply fraudulent or adulterated olive oil. In 2023 Italian inspectors found 380 tons of counterfeit virgin olive oil worth 2 million Euros and accused 17 individuals of mislabeling and phony advertising. Italian and Spanish authorities seized 260,000 liters likely blended with seed oils or lampante, arresting 11 suspects. U.S.-produced extra virgin olive oil faces pervasive fraud because USDA does not regulate it. California Olive Oil Council certification requires strict standards and its gold seal indicates 100% pure virgin olive oil. The National American Olive Oil Association conducts random testing of participants at least twice yearly. EU labeling is mandatory and includes PDO and DOP designations for origin.

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