Beyond the Ranch
How Do I Know If My Olive Oil Is Real? Everythi...
In November 2023, Spanish and Italian authorities arrested 11 suspects discovered to be involved in a fraudulent organized crime ring. During the international bust, they seized 12 barrels containing more...
How Do I Know If My Olive Oil Is Real? Everything You Need to Know About Olive Oil Fraud
In November 2023, Spanish and Italian authorities arrested 11 suspects discovered to be involved in a fraudulent organized crime ring. During the international bust, they seized 12 barrels containing more than 260,000 liters of the most counterfeited item in all of Europe: olive oil. It became the latest seizure in a long-running, scandal-ridden history of olive oil fraud. Rich in antioxidants, heart-healthy fats, and robust flavors, it’s easy to see why extra virgin olive oil has earned the nickname “liquid gold.” But for as long as this sought-after oil has been a culinary staple, it has also been the subject of widespread fraud. It’s a trend that spans across the food industry as a whole, and it impacts everyday shoppers just like you. Do you find yourself asking, "How can I tell if my olive oil is real?" Wondering how you can identify a high-quality olive oil and keep fake EVOOs out of your kitchen? Read on for details about why olive oil fraud matters, how to tell if your olive oil is real, and the steps we take at Pasolivo to put quality and transparency first. Is Olive Oil Fraud Really a Thing? Yes, it is, and it has been for quite some time. Some sources even trace it all the way back to ancient Rome. Today, it happens on a massive scale—to the tune of the 260,000 counterfeit liters authorities seized last winter and deemed “unfit for consumption.” The issue is so prevalent that Italian authorities recently launched a full investigation into seven of the country’s leading olive oil producers and their practices. According to Europol, factors like price inflation, reduced olive oil production, and increasing demand have created “the perfect breeding ground for fraudulent producers.” It’s not just a problem that exists abroad; even in the U.S.,...
