Did you know that extreme weather is impacting the price and quality of olive oil? Droughts and heatwaves in the Mediterranean have led to skyrocketing prices, making it challenging to find genuine extra virgin olive oil. 
With this surge, fraud is on the rise, with low-quality oils being passed off as the real deal. Some criminals even mix oils or use additives to deceive buyers! 
The EU has reported an alarming increase in olive oil fraud cases this year.
The EU has reported an alarming increase in olive oil fraud cases this year.Adding to the concerns, a class-action settlement involving Bertolli olive oil revealed that many consumers were misled about the quality. Deoleo USA Inc. agreed to pay $3.5 million, as their oils were labeled as “100% Italian” or “Extra Virgin,” but didn’t meet those standards. 
I’ve heard about other oils being mixed in bottles, marketed as a cheaper option, and I know that extra virgin olive oil can come from multiple countries, which is usually marked clearly. However, I was shocked to learn that rancid or old olives could be used and, even worse, that other vegetable oils—like peanut oil—might be added, disguised with food coloring to mimic real olive oil. That’s not just shady; it’s dangerous, especially for those with food allergies! 
So, is there a list of authentic extra virgin olive oils that we can refer to? How can we as consumers protect ourselves and our loved ones from these deceptive practices? 
