Bellucci Premium Comments on the Increase of Olive Oil Fraud
Bohemia, NY (PRWEB) October 01, 2013 -- Bellucci Premium comments on how olive oil is often mislabeled and on the increase in demand for additional quality standards.
According to an ABC News article published on September 25th titled “Olive Oil Fraud Rampant, Trade Agency Finds,” while you may expect olive oil that is labeled ‘extra virgin’ to be authentic, large quantities of imported oils are in fact fraudulently labeled.
The article shares evidence of fraud by detailing a 2011 study by the Olive Center at the University of California at Davis. The study found that “73 percent of the five best-selling imported brands failed to meet the standards of taste and smell established for that grade of olive oil set by European regulators.” Taste tests have also revealed that only 9 out of 23 olive oils tested that were labeled “extra virgin” met labeling standards.
In a newly released report by the U.S International Trade Commission (USITC), there is more evidence of recent ‘rampant fraud’, according to the article. Extra virgin olive oil, which is made within 24 hours after the olives are harvested and first pressed, is the highest grade. Unfortunately, other oils, such as seed oils, are often added to olive oil. These products are being incorrectly labeled and sold as pure extra virgin olive oil, according to the report by the USITC.
The Executive Director for the American Olive Oil Producers Association was quoted in the article as saying, “We believe consumers deserve to understand the quality of the oil they are buying and trust its authenticity.” She commends the USITC for their findings.
“It is unfortunate for both customers and producers that some brands are mislabeling their bottles of olive oil,” says Natalie Sexenian, marketing manager for Bellucci Premium. “Mislabeling may cause consumers to distrust brands and ultimately walk away from purchasing the product altogether,” she says. “At Bellucci Premium, we provide our customers with all of the information they need to determine that their bottle of extra virgin olive oil is authentic. We provide a “best by” and harvest date, as well as a traceability app so our customers can view where the olives in their bottle of olive oil were harvested.”
Bellucci offers three different types of oil, including an organic option, with a mild peppery flavor and fruity undertones that will satisfy any palate. Bellucci Premium Toscano extra virgin olive oil uses olives that are grown on the beautiful landscapes of Tuscany, and maintained by 3rd and 4th generation farmers. The third type of oil Bellucci produces is the finest 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil, grown in many different regions of Italy.
Scott Darrohn, Bellucci Premium, http://www.belluccipremium.com, +1 (855) 347-4228, [email protected]
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