A probe into counterfeit olive oils resulted in 11 arrests and the confiscation of over 260,000 liters of adulterated olive oil. Suspects allegedly used lampante oil, an inferior variant, to dilute and falsely label their product as virgin or extra virgin.

European law enforcement, supported by Europol, conducted operations in Spain and Italy under Operation Omegabad. They seized adulterated oil, questioned suspects, confiscated cash, vehicles, and gathered evidence. Italian provinces saw inspections of suspected oil factories.

Factors like price inflation, decreased olive oil production, and rising demand create an environment for fraudulent producers. Mixing lower-grade oil with consumer-grade options enables competitive pricing but poses public health risks and undermines consumer trust. Olive oil fraud remains a law enforcement priority, and recent actions in Brazil also highlight the global scope of the issue.

Source: FSN

Reach out to Fresh Group Food Safety Consulting for any inquiries related to food quality and safety.