Olive oil: the liquid gold between authenticity and fraud

A responsibility that is protected by science and legislation and thrives on awareness

vanguard

Olive oil is not just a food product. It is a mirror of an authentic agricultural culture and an extended history that reflects the peasant's attachment to the land for thousands of years. Wealth grows on the sands. Today, olive oil production is one of the vital components of food, health and economic security, but it is also in the face of challenges (globally and not only locally): from fraud, poor storage, to poor control.

The detection of olive oil adulteration is not done by the naked eye or even by taste only. Many of the features of fraud appear only through a series of accurate scientific analyzes performed in accredited laboratories and by an expert. The most prominent of these analyses are:
- Free acidity

- Peroxide number

- Fatty acid structures

- Spectroscopy

- Sensory analysis

- Analysis of sterols

- Tocopherols analysis

- Analysis of triglycerides and ECN

- Phenolic analysis

It is not necessary to perform all tests in all cases, but some are sufficient in many cases. Measuring the quality of the oil depends on conducting pH and peroxide number tests (in addition to the sensory evaluation of the oil by an expert practicing in this field). Fatty acid composition is tested as a primary indication of the purity of olive oil.

These analyses should be conducted by accredited bodies such as research centers or any other accredited laboratories, and their results should be attached to the product in the markets to ensure transparency and trust.

Hence the need to activate a comprehensive system based on science, legislation and societal conscience to protect this wealth.

Messages... To decision makers:

We call on decision makers in the Egyptian government to make olive oil a priority in agricultural and food policies. What is needed is not only to support production, but also to finance control campaigns and motivate producers to comply with quality standards. We also hope to launch national initiatives to register and classify Egyptian olive oil as a distinctive quality mark

To the legislative bodies:

Parliament and legislative bodies are invited to update legislation on food in general and olive oil in particular in light of global developments. Legislation should include obliging suppliers to provide tests approved by official laboratories and imposing severe penalties on those found to be involved in fraud or health negligence.

To the supervisory and executive bodies:

suchlike Food Safety Authority, It has the responsibility to verify that markets and factories comply with the specifications. What is required is to move from office control to field visits (which already exists, but requires more effort and community support), with periodic examinations, random sampling, and training staff in ways to detect modern fraud.

Consumer Protection Agency We urge the Authority to enhance its field and awareness role and provide quick and easy channels to report counterfeit or non-conforming products. Consumers can be introduced to a hotline or an electronic application for easy access to you, so. We also ask the Authority to cooperate with regulatory bodies and official laboratories to track violations and punish those involved in order to protect the health of citizens and support committed producers.

To researchers and scientific centers:

The role of researchers does not stop at academic publishing, but extends to the transfer of technology to contemporary fields. We call on research centers to cooperate with producers in developing more local olive varieties, improving pressing techniques, and training agronomists to monitor quality at different stages of production.

To producers, manufacturers and traders:

You are the trust-makers. A commitment to producing pure and high-quality oil is not only a professional honesty, but also a long-term investment in your reputation and market. Be sure to document quality through periodic laboratory analyses and make sure that transparency with consumers enhances your position in the local and international market.

To cheaters and those involved in misleading the consumer: Olive oil fraud does not only harm the health of citizens, but also damages the reputation of an entire sector. We remind you that quick profit based on forgery does not last and that you are legally and ethically responsible to the community.

Fear Allah. A pure product is a sustainable halal livelihood. Cheating is a double crime with a strict punishment in this world before the Hereafter.

To exhibitors and distributors (supermarkets and hypermarkets)

You are the face of the product in front of the consumer. You have a pivotal role in ensuring that what is displayed on the shelf is safe and pure. We suggest that you require suppliers to provide official test results from accredited laboratories and to regularly take random samples for review. By doing this, you are partners in protecting people's health and enhancing customer confidence in your institutions.

To consumers and housewives:

You are the first line of defense. Don't be fooled by looks or price offers. Health is priceless. Choose reliable products, read labels carefully, and look for certificates of analysis from an official body. Help raise awareness in your surroundings. Every sound purchase decision is a support for a good product and a deterrent to cheaters.

To influencers and media professionals:

Influencers on networking sites carry a message, and their word may raise a product or harm an entire sector.
We urge you to be accurate, consult specialists before promoting any product, and participate in public awareness campaigns on how to choose a good olive oil.

To advertising and marketing companies:

Transparency and credibility are the real capital in the marketing world.
Stay away from misleading phrases or non-scientific exaggerations, and rely on laboratory analysis and international standards in your marketing campaigns.
Contribute to building a consumer culture based on understanding rather than fascination.

To civil society and scientific associations:

These associations have tools of direct communication with the community and have the ability to have a local and scientific impact. We invite them to organize awareness campaigns and training workshops for small producers, and coordinate with official bodies to provide technical and advisory support. This partnership between civil society and the state is the foundation of a successful and sustainable control system.

Conclusion and recommendations

Olive oil is an invaluable asset. Its protection is a national duty that requires strict legislation, continuous monitoring, scientific support, and community awareness. Every actor in this system or chain - from government to consumer - has an essential role.
Let us all work to support the pure product and combat fraud in order to protect human health, the dignity of farmers, and the reputation of the country.

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