This week, the Ministry of Agriculture ordered the recall of 12 batches of olive oil, considered unfit for consumption. In total, ten brands from eight companies involved in the seizure were found in supermarkets, distribution centers or packaging establishments.
The measure was taken after official laboratory analyzes confirmed that the products did not correspond to the identity and quality standards present in the Technical Regulations for Olive Oil.
The document establishes a series of criteria to enable the sale of oil in the national territory. The objective is to create a standard of quality, classification, considering sampling, presentation and labeling, in aspects related to classification, to avoid fraud and guarantee public health safety.
Quality requirements are defined based on the percentage of free acidity, peroxide index and specific ultraviolet extinction.
The regulation also clarifies what the composition of the oil must be to be considered olive oil, which processing methods are authorized and the substances harmful to human health. In addition, it defines safety standards regarding taste, odor, packaging and transportation.
When the product does not meet one or more requirements, Mapa may withdraw it from circulation or prohibit its sale. The department did not disclose which inconsistencies were found in the batches collected this week, however, they warn that consumption may pose a health risk.
See which lots were collected and their respective brands:
The oil seized corresponds to 82 thousand liters of products. For those who have these items at home, we recommend returning them to the points of sale where they were purchased.
In addition to the 12 announced lots, there are also other products that were cautiously seized due to signs of irregularities. These are still awaiting final laboratory opinion.
The Ministry warns of the risk of consuming irregular products and reinforces the importance of checking the list available on the Ministry’s website in order to check the items already seized in past actions. Olive oil is the second most fraudulent food in the world, second only to fish.
Learn how to avoid buying fraudulent olive oil
Around 82 thousand liters of olive oil were removed from establishments and sent for analysis. According to the Map, official laboratory results confirmed that the products did not meet identity and quality standards established in the Olive Oil Technical Regulation.
“The Map alerts consumers to the risk and reinforces the importance of always checking the list available on the Ministry’s website, avoiding the consumption of related products”, indicates the folder in a note.
If you have purchased products identified in the table, we recommend returning them to the points of sale where the purchase occurred.
Both the companies identified on the labels seized during the inspection and the holders of the merchandise, that is, owners of the establishments, will be held responsible.
It is worth remembering that olive oil is the second most fraudulent food product in the world, second only to fish. Therefore, Mapa recommends taking some care when purchasing to avoid falling for fraud. Check out: