Title: The Great Olive Oil Scam | Reader's Digest Canada
Headings: The Great Olive Oil Scam
The Great Olive Oil Scam
Content: Lionel Derimais
Extra virgin olive oil has a specific set of identifiable characteristics. Italian extra virgin can cost at least €6 a litre to make, yet it can be found in some Italian supermarkets for as little as €3. “To meet demand at this impossible price,” says Barile, “some of the big corporations mix in low-quality oil. Puglia produces the Chanel No. 5 of oils, but only 15-20 per cent is bottled and sold by independent producers. Aside from what is consumed locally, the rest is taken to factories and used to disguise poorer quality ordinary virgin oil. “The supermarkets, and above all the corporations, are stupid,” says Barile, “because mass production of extra virgin olive oil is impossible. It is good for health, and people are prepared to spend on health. Selling authentic oil at a fair price would have been a more profitable strategy.” Is he angry? “