I am one that believes in credibility – and if you are a trusted brand and say that your olive oil is extra virgin, well then, I tend to believe you. Especially when we are paying top dollar, right? How upsetting it was to learn that consumers have been duped, as discussed in a lawsuit filed by various restaurateurs and prominent chefs against some leading olive oil brands. Allegedly, many well known brands including Bertolli, Fillipo Bario, Colavita and Pompeian have been selling olive oil branded as extra virgin but, according to the lawsuit, they were anything but. Even Rachael Ray’s beloved brand has been named as one of the olive oil offenders.
Currently filed in California and seeking class action status, this lawsuit is in response to a UC Davis study which showed that many olive oils that sought “extra virgin” status for mark-up purposes, clearly were not. It really has to make you think about what and where your ingredients come from and if they are, indeed, what they allege to be.
You can read more on the lawsuit HERE. After all this hoopla, I think that I will be purchasing my extra virgin olive oil from the Italian Market in Philadelphia. At least there I know they sell the genuine product.
Very interesting, and the first I've heard of this. I'll be more discerning from now on too.
I have a new love though – have you ever tried unfiltered olive oil? Make sure you shake really well before using, because the olive settles to the bottom, but it has a peppery flavor that builds in your mouth. Love it in salads and over pasta or rice (Aztec rice from Whole Foods is my favorite of the moment, and it is divine over it).
Actually, I have never tried unfiltered. Will have to put that on my shopping list for the holiday weekend. Thanks Jewels!
Twitter: ApplerEmz
says:
my first time to hear about this…i should be careful next time..thank you for this..