At the end of the day, the public does need to become aware of olive oil fraud and how to avoid it.
Bohemia, NY (PRWEB) February 13, 2014
Bellucci Premium, a high quality extra virgin olive oil producer, responds to an article published by Olive Oil Times on a New York Times infographic that brings to light the commonness of olive oil fraud.
In an article published by Olive Oil Times on January 29th titled “New York Times Revises Olive Oil Fraud Infographic,” changes made to an infographic by the New York Times are discussed. The graphic’s main goal is to enlighten its readers on how common olive oil fraud is. Some of the wording in the infographic has changed. Instead of reading “69 percent of the olive oil for sale (in the U.S.) is doctored”, it now reads, “69 percent of imported olive oil labeled ‘extra virgin’ did not meet, in a taste test, the standard for that label.”Additionally, the line “The olive oil is cut with cheaper oil”, now reads, “At some refineries the olive oil is cut with cheaper oil.”
Natalie Sexenian, the marketing manager for high quality Tuscan olive oil producer Bellucci Premium, says, “While the initial efforts of the New York Times were admirable in trying to shed light on a major issue that many are unaware of, the wording chosen had a slightly different effect.” She says, “At the end of the day, the public does need to become aware of olive oil fraud and how to avoid it.”
Sexenian says, “Some things to look out for when purchasing extra virgin olive oil are the acidity levels, harvest date, and olive traceability. Olive oil bottles can only claim ‘extra virgin’ status if its acidity is 0.8% or less. Harvest dates on the bottle can help the consumer ensure they are purchasing fresh oil, and the ability to trace the olives used can ensure the oil is from where the bottle claims.” She says, “Bellucci Premium believes in oil that is honest, which is why all Bellucci Premium products have a harvest date on the front of the bottle. We also offer an app that can be used to find exactly where the olives for each bottle came from.”
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.
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