The Spanish public health authority has issued a nationwide alert for the removal of 68,000 litres of olive oil from sale
The case of alleged fraudulent virgin olive oil seized in Extremadura and Andalucia last week has been taken to court by the Spanish public health authority.
The Junta de Extremadura initiated the case after the Extremadura Agri-food laboratory conducted initial analyses that revealed the presence of lampante oil mixed with other refined products that are unsuitable for consumption.
Lampante is a type of virgin olive oil that is of inferior quality compared to other varieties and is not suitable for consumption.
It is usually intended for industrial refining purposes.
The oil can become lampante due to various reasons such as problems with the olives, including collecting them from the ground or when they are too ripe.
Lampante can also be unsuitable for consumption due to deficiencies in the production process, which can lead to acidity values or parameters that do not recommend its intake.
Recently, the Spanish public health authority has discovered that lampante oil, suspected of being part of a fraudulent network, has been on sale in retail stores, filling stations and markets in Extremadura and Andalucia under 11 different brands.
These brands include Acebuche, Virgen del Guadiana, Cortijo del Oro, La Campiña de Andalusia, Galiaceite 2022, La Abadía, Villa de Jerez, Don Jaén Aceite 2019, Imperio Andaluz, La Esmeralda, and Vareado.
As a result, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Aesan) received a food alert at the request of the health authorities of Andalucia, which specified that companies without a health registration number were bottling oil and distributing it in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura.
The food alert has prompted the seizure and withdrawal from the market of 68,000 litres of oil due to changes in the taste, smell, colour and consistency of the product.
Warning! DO NOT CONSUME
If you have purchased any of the above brands, you are advised to refrain from consuming it and contact the pharmaceutical or veterinary services of your Health Centre. You can also return the product to the corresponding establishment to request a refund of the price paid or its replacement with a new product in accordance with the regulations. Public health authorities emphasize the importance of taking action to prevent any potential health risks.
In conclusion, it is essential to be cautious when purchasing food products and to check the quality and origin of the products before making any purchases. Food safety and proper labelling are crucial aspects that should be taken seriously by all food companies, to ensure the health and well-being of the public.
Olive oil is an essential part of Spanish cuisine and culture, and it is widely used in many dishes across the country. Spain has a long history of olive oil production, dating back to the Roman Empire. The country is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of olive oil, with a diverse range of olive varieties and styles of production.
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