9. Argentina
Argentina is an emerging player in the market, but 17% of its olive oil is adulterated , often with lower-quality vegetable oils. Beware of prices that seem too good to be true and look for official certifications.
8. Morocco
Moroccan production has exploded in recent years, but 15% of cheap olive oil is adulterated , often mixed with less expensive vegetable oils due to a lack of strict regulation.
7. Greece
Renowned for its ancient olive groves, Greece is not immune to fraud: 20% of its exported olive oil is adulterated . Blending with other oils or misleading labeling are common practices. Look for PDO ( Protected Designation of Origin ) labels.
6. Türkiye
Turkey, a major producer, also suffers from widespread fraud: 30% of its cheap olive oil is adulterated . Some batches contain undeclared chemical preservatives, increasing the risk of liver and inflammatory disorders.
5. Tunisia
As a major global exporter, Tunisia sees 15% of its olive oil mixed with oils such as sunflower or soybean , which can cause allergic reactions and harm health.
4. Egypt
With production booming, Egypt faces a serious quality control problem: 20% of the olive oil sold contains additives or chemical solvents that are harmful to the liver .
3. United States
The United States, particularly California, is producing a rapidly growing olive oil industry, but 25% of the olive oil labeled “extra virgin” on the American market does not meet standards . Check for certifications such as those from the California Olive Oil Council .
2. Italy
Considered a benchmark for olive oil, Italy is nonetheless one of the countries where fraud is most widespread. 30% of its exported oil is counterfeit , often cut with lower-quality oils or dangerous trans fats. Opt for products with DOP ( Denominazione di Origine Protetta ) certification .
1. Spain
Spain, the world’s leading producer, is also the country with the highest rate of fraud. 25% of its olive oil, particularly the lower-quality varieties, is adulterated . Some oils are blended with soy or palm oil, which can contain toxic pesticides and pose serious health risks.
How to recognize an authentic olive oil?
Here are some simple tips to avoid pitfalls and choose a quality olive oil:
✔ Look for quality labels : favour AOP, AOC, DOP certifications or those from recognized organizations.
✔ Check the information on the label : a real extra virgin oil mentions the harvest date and the bottling date , and not just an expiry date.
✔ Opt for dark glass bottles : they protect the oil from light. Avoid plastic bottles, which let light through and can alter the quality.
