The olive oil crisis has been ongoing for some time - extreme weather has impacted production (particularly in the Mediterranean) which has lead to a worldwide shortage. As a result of the crisis, the cost of olive oil has more than doubled since 2018. These included cases in which "olive oil" products had been contaminated with substances such as pesticides, mineral oils and glass, as well as the mislabelling of "extra virgin" olive oil mixed with cheaper quality oils (such as lampante oil, which can be unfit for human consumption if not properly refined). What is perhaps the most concerning for consumers is the risk that products labelled "olive oil" could be contaminated with substances unfit for consumption. With a view of providing consumers with good-quality olive oil in the EU, the commission organises annual workshops and fosters collaboration between EU countries to ensure that these checks are correctly implemented and ensures the exchange of relevant information for those working on olive oil.

Source: The Guardian August 01, 2024 03:52 UTC