This phenomenon is not simply a matter of quality; it represents a real health risk. Regularly consuming adulterated olive oil can lead to nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Why is olive oil so widely adulterated? Its high demand and production cost make it an ideal target for counterfeiters. Producing genuine extra virgin olive oil requires a long and rigorous process, which leads some manufacturers to deceive consumers by selling low-quality products under false labels.
The 10 countries most affected by olive oil fraud
If you buy olive oil from one of these countries, be especially vigilant:
10. Portugal