Laboratory testing by Dr Rod Mailer’s team at the Australian Oils Research Laboratory at Wagga Wagga revealed two products labelled as olive oil actually contained canola oil and various levels of other refined oil.

“As a result of this work carried out in conjunction with the Australian Olive Association (AOA) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the ACCC has had these oils removed from supermarket shelves,” Dr Mailer said.

In response to this action, two supermarket chains have also declared that olive oils they stock will now carry certificates verifying that they are in fact virgin olive oil and have been tested in Australia.

“This is the first time anywhere in Australia that legal action has been taken in relation to the fraudulent marketing of olive oil,” Mr Mailer said.

“The suppliers of these oils must now have each batch of their products tested by an accredited laboratory prior to selling to Australian consumers.

“The Wagga Wagga Oils Research Laboratory is one of only two Australian laboratories accredited by the International Olive Oil Council to test for the adulteration of olive oils.

“We are going be kept very busy testing a large number of samples from suppliers obliged to have their products checked and carrying out confirmation tests for retailers.

“The laboratory is also being commissioned by the Australian Olive Association to continue supermarket surveillance to see if any other adulterated olive oils are reaching consumers."