Italian authorities have initiated a thorough investigation on a number of prominent olive oil producers in the country that are under suspicion of passing off lower-quality olive oil as "extra virgin." The controversy has raised a number of issues about consumer fraud in the high-profile industry, according to The Guardian.
Among the suspected companies are seven of Italy's biggest olive oil producers - Carapelli, Bertolli, Santa Sabina, Coricelli, Sasso, Primadonna, and Antica Badia.
The alleged fraud was uncovered by an Italian publication back in May, which triggered an investigation by Italian authorities. As of this week, Italian authorities assigned to the case have stated that among 20 brands that were laboratory-tested, nine were found to be of an inferior quality, reports The Telegraph.
Extra-virgin oil is the highest quality and most expensive variant of olive oil. It is typically green-gold in color and is made by crushing olives as soon as they are picked. As a result, the end product is extremely refined and chemical-free. Virgin olive oil, on the other hand, is cheaper and more acidic.
Rosario Trefiletti, the president of consumer association Federconsumatori, said that the controversy has caused much damage - not only to the olive oil industry - but to the country in general.
"The damage caused by this deceit is enormous, not just for consumers but also for the entire country and for the image of products that are made in Italy. It's a shameful business that requires prompt action by the authorities," he said.
Italy is currently one of the world's largest producers of oil, coming just a few steps behind Spain.
For more news about olive oil, click here.
