Counterfeit EVOO
Do You Really Know What You're Paying for in Imported Olive Oil?
Australians love their olive oil, often opting for imported varieties from Europe, believing they're buying premium-quality oil. However, the truth behind many imported olive oils may surprise you. Unfortunately, food fraud is rampant in the olive oil industry, with some estimates suggesting that olive oil is the most counterfeit food product in the world.
Olive Oil Fraud: A Common Issue
Counterfeit olive oil can involve anything from mislabeling lower-quality oils as extra virgin to blending expensive olive oils with cheaper seed oils like soybean or corn oil. Some oils sold as "Italian" may actually be produced in Greece or Spain, further misleading consumers. In fact, many imported olive oils fail to meet Australia’s strict standards, which test for purity and quality.
An Australian study found that a significant portion of imported olive oil did not meet the standards for extra virgin classification, often containing refined olive oils or cheaper seed oils. This means consumers could be paying top dollar for a product that doesn't deliver the health benefits or the rich flavours associated with true extra virgin olive oil.
Why This Matters
The term "extra virgin" refers to the highest quality of olive oil, produced through mechanical methods without the use of heat or chemicals. It's prized for its superior taste, nutritional value, and health benefits due to high levels of antioxidants and monounsaturated fats. When olive oil is diluted with cheaper oils or refined, it loses these benefits and poses potential health risks.
Adding refined or seed oils into extra virgin olive oil not only dilutes its quality but also introduces oils that may not be as stable under high heat, altering the oil’s performance when cooking.
How to Protect Yourself
For Australian chefs and foodservice professionals, using reliable, high-quality olive oil is essential. Luckily, Australia has its own olive oil industry, producing excellent extra virgin olive oils that meet stringent quality standards. Supporting local producers ensures you're getting the real deal without the risk of counterfeiting.
When purchasing imported olive oils, there are a few ways to safeguard against food fraud:
Look for certifications: Reputable olive oils often carry certifications, such as the Australian Olive Oil Association (AOOA) or the International Olive Council (IOC), indicating the product has been tested for quality and authenticity.
Check the harvest date: Fresh olive oil is best, and a clearly marked harvest date can give you a better idea of the oil's freshness. Avoid oils without this information.
Buy from trusted suppliers: Purchasing from reputable sources, like Sherman Foods, ensures you are getting high-quality, genuine olive oils.
Sherman Foods: Your Trusted Source for Olive Oil
At Sherman Foods, we are proud to offer both Australian and imported olive oils that meet the highest standards for chefs and foodservice venues. We source olive oils from trusted producers and work to ensure our clients are receiving authentic, top-quality oils for their kitchens. By providing a range of olive oils at different price points, we support chefs in delivering excellence without compromise.
So, the next time you're selecting olive oil, consider not just the price but the quality and source - because with olive oil, what you see on the label isn't always what you get.