"The main motivation behind the study was to inform local consumers of the true quality of available olive oils," explains Leonard Arangies, SAO manager. "The reality is that not all oils labelled as Extra Virgin, can in fact be classified as extra virgin. Imported oils that were tested showed deviations."
A random sample was drawn from the available olive oils and tested in an accredited international laboratory according to specifications of the International Olive Council (IOC). Seven South African and 23 imported oils were subjected to this study. Only 23% of the samples were of South African origin, as about 80% of locally available olive oils are still being imported.
"Three tests were completed: a chemical test, an organoleptic (tasting) test as well as a new freshness test, which the technology and parameters the IOC recently developed," says Arangies.
The results proved that imported olive oils are percentage wise of a poorer standard, than their South African peers. None of the local oils that were tested showed any sign of being tampered with, whereas 26% of the imported oils were fraudulently bottled as Extra Virgin and can therefore be criminally prosecuted. 66% of the tested oils showed one or other form of defect and should not be allowed to carry the Extra Virgin label. Only 33% of the 30 tested oils claiming to be Extra Virgin were in fact Extra Virgin. While only 22% of the imported olive oils passed the Extra Virgin test, 71% of South African oils deserved this status.
The brands that passed in all three tests and are Extra Virgin, include Woolworths South African Mild and Fruity, Olyfberg, Morgenster, Arte Oliva, Monini Classico, Vesuvio, Olitalia, Willow Creek, Spar Spanish and Poggio Ducale Italian olive oil.
As not all South African olive oils were included in the test, those omitted from the above list are not necessarily flawed.
"Another interesting observation is regarding the issue of price," says Arangies. "The South African consumer often perceives high quality, local olive oils as too expensive. This study has shown that the average price of all olive oils that were tested is R 62.68 for 500ml, while the average price for those that can truthfully be classified as Extra Virgin is R65.19 for the same volume, a small difference for some of the best olive oils in the world."
"SAO is always proactively monitoring and protecting the interests of the South African olive oil consumer. Consumers should look for bottles bearing the Member of SA Olive Commitment to Compliance Scheme (CTC) seal, a scheme initiated in 2005 to protect consumers against fraudulent practices and to set a standard of quality." This seal of authenticity confirm that the content is 100% locally produced in accordance with the SA Olive Code of Conduct and Practice based on international standards and is accurately labelled. Five of the seven locally produced olive oils that took part in the study carry the voluntary CTC seal and four of them passed the test as Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
It is vital that consumers must be able to discern between the various types of olive oils available to them. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a natural, unrefined olive oil with a free acidity of below 0.8%, no defects and a fruity characteristic. Virgin Olive Oil is also a natural unrefined olive oil but with a free acidity between 0.8% and 2% and with minimal defects. Olive oils, which are flawed and unfit for consumption, need to undergo a refining process during which they are deodorised and bleached. The result is a tasteless, almost colourless product called Refined Olive Oil. In turn, Olive Pomace Oil is a solvent extracted from the solid press cake residue. It cannot be classified as or called Olive Oil, specifically not as Pomace Olive Oil, which one often sees on labels.
SA Olive confirmed that similar testing would be repeated in the future.
For more information, go to www.saolive.co.za.
