Update on control of olive oil adulteration and misbranding in the United States

Abstract The Food and Drug Administration has carried out a regulatory program since 1982 to control olive oil adulteration and mislabeling in the U.S. Analysis of imported and domestically packaged olive oil products and inspection of domestic packers have significantly reduced the presence of undeclared esterified olive oil in olive oil products. Undeclared esterified olive oil was present in 13% of olive oils examined in a 1985–86 survey, compared to 65% in a 1983–84 survey. Undeclared olive pomace oil and seed oils continue to require surveillance in a continuing effort to eliminate olive oil adulteration.