2,425 litres of 'fake' olive oil seized
The Portuguese authorities have cracked down on a significant operation to combat food fraud, seizing 2,425 litres of counterfeit olive oil in the Porto metropolitan area. This operation, conducted by the Authority for Food and Economic Regulation (ASAE), also extended to Bragança, where another 14,920 litres with labelling irregularities were found, indicating a larger-scale practice. The timing of the operation is particularly relevant, as it was conducted during a period when olive oil prices have seen a sharp increase.
According to the newspaper A Verdade, the aim was to curb food fraud, which often relies on the use of cooking oil labelled as extra virgin olive oil, leading to consumer misinterpretations. The investigation uncovered not only the adulterated product but also 1,217 counterfeit labels intended to legitimize the oil presented as olive oil. The operation was not limited to Porto; an industrial unit in Bragança was also targeted, resulting in the seizure of another 14,920 litres due to labelling irregularities.
ASAE has issued a public warning to consumers, urging them to be cautious when faced with significantly lower prices, as this may indicate that the product does not match the advertised description. The authority emphasizes the importance of carefully reading the information on the labels and comparing prices in the market to prevent such fraud. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts to protect consumers from food fraud and ensure the integrity of food products in Portugal.
