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The Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) carried out an extensive inspection of olive oils directly at central distributors, among which were also some commercial chains. CAFIA focused on whether olive oils do not contain mixtures of olive oils of other kinds, whether the quality indicators correspond to the stated category, and whether olive oils are correctly and fully labelled, as laid down by the relevant Community regulations. The CAFIA inspectors were checking olive oils of Italian, Greek and Spanish provenance.

Ten samples out of fifteen different olive oil samples failed to comply with the regulations, in some cases, the inspectors identified even more deficiencies at the same time. Nine samples were labelled incorrectly or incompletely. Sensory evaluation showed that three samples did not correspond to the stated category “extra virgin olive oil” because taken oils were rancid. A sample of Spanish oil imported to the Czech Republic from Poland and placed on the market by Lidl Česká republika, v.o.s., labelled as olive-pomace oil, failed to comply with some parameters for olive oil because of its composition.

European regulations concerning labelling and characteristics of olive oils are rather strict because they shall, among others, protect the good name of European producers and traders. The CAFIA had for the first time the opportunity to evaluate olive oils also in respect of their sensory properties. During this analysis CAFIA successfully cooperated with the Science and Research Centre, Koper of Slovenian University of Primorska.

The Food Inspection Authority imposed on all the companies inspected, which had been placing noncompliant olive oils on the market, a measure to bring the labelling in compliance with relevant regulations. The sale of oils that did not correspond to the stated category under incorrect labelling was banned. The commercial chain Lidl was ordered to withdraw the oil from sale; a fine will be imposed in administrative proceeding.

The CAFIA inspectors were also interested whether all inspected companies had traceability system in place, as laid down by the relevant Community regulation. This system must be implemented by everyone who wishes to run a food business so that it is possible to identify the origin of each food that is put on the market as quickly and effectively as possible. In principle, the system should be established in such a way so that it is demonstrable from where the food had “arrived”, for example from an importer, supplier or distributor, and where was the food delivered. By introducing this obligation the European Commission pursues one of the food safety principles. The inspection showed that all inspected companies had traceability system in place.