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UFC-Que Choisir still has a product in its sights! Discover the scams behind the olive oil you buy!
Do you know everything about the olive oil you use every day? UFC-Que Choisir reveals that not all are equal. And some shouldn't even be marketed as such in supermarkets.
A product becoming rarer?
An inseparable companion of the “Mediterranean diet”, olive oil will once again be the star of your recipes this summer. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenolsit ensures the proper functioning of the organs.
As such, it is an ally of the heart or even the brain. Olive oil is also rich in omega-9. Gold, these are involved in reducing “bad cholesterol”.
They ensure the proper functioning of organs, such as the heart or the brain. They also have an action against the signs of aging and prevent against certain cancers!
French consumers are snapping it up. To the point of even causing a shortage. In Europe, Spain is the world's leading producer of olive oil. But in 2023, the country announced a respective production drop of more than 70%. The fault is the bad harvests which make the product more and more rare.
This is why the price of this oil seems to be soaring in recent months on the shelves of your supermarkets. Most consumers buy it in supermarkets.
However, even as the price of olive oil rises, foodies' love for it does not wane. It must be said that with its characteristic taste, it delights the taste buds!
This elixir from the pressing of olives is very versatile in the kitchen. It is used to make a sauce as well as to garnish pasta or a tomato salad.
At first glance, this oil full of virtues has everything right. But be careful not to make a mistake in your purchases. Because as UFC-Que Choisir points out, not all oils are equal.
UFC-What to choose does not recommend this olive oil
The association has in fact singled out several brands for misleading commercial practices. The consumer association warns against certain brands that mislead consumers.
Some indeed unscrupulously abuse the famous term “extra virgin”. However, you should know that most commercial olive oils are not.
Out of 97 oils analyzed, 48% of them were not “compliant” reveals UFC-Que Choisir. Thus, 16 of them did not meet “the criteria for their categories”, reports the association, citing the DGCCRF investigation.
Worse, according to the organization, olive oil would be part of the most fraudulent products on the market. Because for some, the mention “extra virgin” was simply false.
The DGCCRF cites the example of olive pomace oil sold as “extra virgin” olive oil. However, olive pomace is a by-product of the extraction process. They consist of skins, pulp residue and stone fragments.
More transparent labeling in the future?
This is why the UFC-Que Choisir is campaigning for a strengthening of surveillance and controls of olive oil labeling. And this, in order to better help consumers make their choices.
For an olive oil to be considered as such, its oleic acidity level is less than 0.8%. And only an oil resulting from a first cold pressing can claim this mention.
In addition, “extra virgin” olive oil does not undergo any chemical treatment or refining. These oils are generally found from small, independent producers. Or in specialized stores, such as organic stores.
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