Over recent years there have been several reports of suspected fraud in the supply of olive oil. In March 2008, the Italian police arrested 23 people and raided more than 80 farms after claims that low quality olives from around the Mediterranean had been processed and passed off as a superior Italian product.
Some analysts say a significant amount of Italian olive oil sold outside of Italy is actually of unknown provenance, although that's hard to prove. What is clear is that EU subsidies and basic greed can persuade some suppliers to pass-off cheap inferior oils as higher quality products. That does not only apply to olive oil. Other oils are also vulnerable to being diluted with low grade, cheaper oils in an attempt to boost profits at the customer's expense.
The exposure of olive oil fraud in Italy is a reminder that the old adage of 'buyer beware' should always be applied. There are tests that can be carried out in the laboratory to verify the authenticity, purity and quality of many different oils. Indeed, the EU specifies a range of tests for olive oil specifically, looking at various chemical markers, such as fatty acid content, to evaluate the authenticity, grade and quality of the oil.
Whilst the incentive remains for a few unscrupulous suppliers to adulterate expensive oils, buyers must remain vigilant and back-up strict specifications and supplier audits with routine testing. It is the best defence against fraud that the industry has, and the best way to deter the criminals.
Robert Griffiths is technical manager in the flavour and lipids department at RSSL. +44 118 986 8541 enquiries@rssl.com