A Belgian local newspaper has conducted a survey of 32 samples of branded Extra Virgin Olive Oil sold through major retail outlets iand supermarkets. The brands include internationally-recognised household names. The newspaper commissioned testing at expert laboratories.
Results are summarised in this press article. 20 of the 32 “Extra Virgin” samples failed to meet the specification standard of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). Although oil degradation over time could be a hypothesis in some cases, in other cases the analytical weight of evidence was that the oil was Lampeter (a lower grade of olive oil) or – in one case – adulterated with sunflower oil.
Investigations are continuing into suspected certification fraud in the upstream supply chain.
