The Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE) seized 2.510 liters of cooking oil to be sold as olive oil, in the districts of Portalegre and Beja and in the municipality of Silves (Algarve), worth 28.900 euros.
In a statement released today, ASAE indicates that the inspection operation was carried out through the Southern Regional Unit, by its operational units in Évora and Faro, aimed at verifying the authenticity and quality of the olive oil that was being sold in these regions.
The inspection actions targeted economic operators, with commercial links between them, in which the sale of cooking oil such as olive oil was detected “in flagrante delicto”, the statement read.
“Through the investigative steps carried out, it was also possible to determine the location of the economic operator’s warehouse where, in a covert manner, the entire logistical operation of falsifying labeling and organizing the distribution channel was carried out”, highlighted the ASAE.
During the operation, two criminal proceedings were opened for alleged illicit fraud involving goods, and 2.510 liters of cooking oil, hundreds of counterfeit labels, a goods vehicle and various documentation indicating the commission of the crimes were seized.
The suspects were accused and subject to an identity and residence order, and the facts were communicated to the competent judicial authority.
In the statement, ASAE adds that it also collected samples of the seized product, that is, the cooking oil.
These samples will be analyzed at the ASAE Food Safety Laboratory for sensory analysis, physical-chemical analysis and verification of legal requirements applicable to labeling to detect possible fraudulent practices.
ASAE also guarantees that it will continue to develop inspection actions, within the scope of its competences, throughout the national territory, “in favor of healthy and fair competition” between economic operators, in the “safeguard of food safety and public health” of consumers .
In conclusion, ASAE warns consumers to be “attentive” to offers of this type of product at a lower price than expected, misleading consumers, with the aim of selling other oleic substances such as olive oil.
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