Food alert: these are the 11 brands that wanted to sell olive oil unfit for human consumption

The shadow of the adulterated rapeseed oil syndrome, which 40 years ago caused the death of more than 300 people and affected more than 20,000, hangs over the decision of the Junta de Extramadura to withdraw from the market and immobilize almost 70,000 liters of olive oil.

11 brands are involved in alleged Crimes against public health, documentary falsification, fraud and scam for selling as “extra virgin olive oil”, the highest quality, which in reality it is “lampante oil” unfit for human consumption. The case will be brought to court by the Zafra Territorial Prosecutor’s Office.

The 5-liter bottles were being sold without sanitary registration in markets, stores and gas stations in Extremadura and Andalusia. The labels lacked the basic information to trace the product.

THE OIL WAS NOT OLIVE, BUT A MIXTURE OF VARIOUS SEEDS AND IT SMELLED BAD

According to the analyzes of 17 samples, carried out by the Fraud and Agricultural Quality Unit and sent to the General Directorate of Public Health of the Extremadura Health Service, 13 were classified as “unfit for human consumption” due to their poor organoleptic quality and because that refined oils of different types were mixed together, including rapeseed, pomace and oilseed oils.

The case is handled by the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) of the Badajoz Civil Guard, which is investigating nine people, seven in Seville and two in Badajoz, after the Spanish Agency for Food Health and Nutrition (AESAN) launched the health alert last March after receiving complaints from citizens who they had detected the bad smell and taste of the oil.

What is lamp oil?

Based on the analyses, the oil that was being passed off as extra virgin was actually lampante, that is, not suitable for human consumption.

Lampante oil is made with olives of poor quality, spoiled or discarded to produce edible oil. It is called lampante because formerly it was used to illuminate by burning it in oil lamps. Logically, it is characterized by having a high acidity, a rancid taste and a very unpleasant vinegary smell.

What are the brands involved?

Although up to 17 brands have been investigated, currently there are 11 brands that have been withdrawn from the market. According to the consumer defense organization FACUA, these brands are:

La Esmeralda.Vareado.Acebuche.Virgen del Guadiana.Cortijo del Oro.The Countryside of Andalusia.Galiaceite 2022.The Abbey.Aromas Villa de Jerez.Don Jaén.Andalusian Empire.

If you have oil from one of these brands, do not consume it and go to the consumer service office in your community.

What to do if you come across suspicious oil?

If you suspect that an olive oil is spoiled or adulterated, it is important that you take the following measures:

Keep sample: Keep a sample of the suspect oil in its original container. It is essential to have a physical test to carry out an analysis and verify if it is fit for human consumption or complies with the information offered on the label.Inform the authorities: Contact the Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition (AECOSAN), which is the body in charge of ensuring food safety in Spain. You can file a complaint or report on their website or contact them directly to report your suspicions. You can also contact the consumer protection office of your autonomous community.Provide details: When submitting your complaint or report, provide all relevant information about the suspected oil, such as the brand, the place of purchase, the date of purchase, and any other information that may be useful to investigate the case.Keep your proof of purchase: if you have the receipt or purchase invoice for the suspect oil, keep it. This document may be required to support your claim and facilitate investigations.Do not consume the oil: avoid consuming the suspected oil until an investigation is conducted and conclusive results are obtained.

On the other hand, do not buy oil that does not show a label with the necessary information in the container. Data such as the manufacturer’s address, the best before date, the batch number and the type of oil must appear on this label.