Operation dismantles olive oil fraud scheme

An operation involving federal agricultural inspectors from the Agricultural Defense Surveillance Program for International Borders (Vigifronteiras) dismantled an olive oil fraud scheme in Cravinhos (SP) last week. In the operation, almost 10 thousand liters of compound oil, more than 15 thousand bottles, dozens of rolls of labels and around 1.500 liters of essence and colorant of the product were seized, in addition to three notebooks.

Operation Getsêmani II was carried out in conjunction with the Civil Police of the States of São Paulo and Espírito Santo, in addition to the Health Surveillance of the State of São Paulo and the Health Surveillance of the municipality of Cravinhos, where an establishment was closed as a precautionary measure. The suspicion is that the extra virgin olive oil was adulterated with a mixture of compound oil.

Those responsible for the fraud and administrative infractions were taken to the local police station for the appropriate legal procedures and, in addition to being subject to fines, may be held liable for crimes against consumer relations, public health and even counterfeiting.

Federal agricultural tax auditors and federal inspection technicians from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) were responsible for collecting the seized samples for laboratory analysis. The objective is to assess the identity and quality of the products.

"This operation reinforces the essential role of federal agricultural tax auditors in analyzing and inspecting products that reach consumers' tables. Our job is to ensure the safety and quality of food, protecting the credibility of the Brazilian agricultural sector. And, to this end, we work in partnership with several authorities, which further increases the need to value the career, especially with the prerogatives necessary to guarantee the safety of professionals", highlighted the president of the National Union of Federal Agricultural Tax Auditors (Anffa Sindical), Janus Pablo Macedo.

There are three tips that can help consumers identify adulterated products. The first is to be wary of prices that are much lower than the market average. It is also important to check whether there is clear information about the origin of the olive oil and to observe the consistency, color and odor of the product.

Allegations

Suspected cases of fraud can and should be reported to the Ombudsman's Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Confidentiality of information is guaranteed and each report contributes to the protection of public health and the strengthening of the market for safe food products in Brazil.