Spanish police seize 3,000 litres of fake olive oil in Huelva

In February, Spanish police conducted an operation in Huelva, where they seized nearly 3,000 litres of counterfeit olive oil. The operation began when authorities intercepted a vehicle coming from Portugal, which was transporting large quantities of oils that were falsely labeled as olive oil. Upon inspection, the contents were identified as lampante oil, sunflower oil, and unclassified oil, none of which matched the descriptions on the labels. The seized oils were intended for sale, with an estimated market value of €20,500. The operation highlighted the ongoing issue of food fraud, particularly in the olive oil industry, where authenticity is crucial for consumer trust and market integrity. Authorities discovered that the vehicle was also carrying adhesive labels meant for re-labeling the containers, indicating a deliberate attempt to mislead consumers about the product's origin. This lack of proper documentation raised significant concerns regarding food safety and regulatory compliance. As a result of the operation, six individuals are currently under investigation for their involvement in this fraudulent scheme. The case underscores the importance of vigilance in monitoring food products and the need for stringent measures to combat food fraud, ensuring that consumers receive genuine products.