NKFH launches nationwide olive oil raid to crack down on food adulteration

They also recalled recent negative experiences (the authority’s announcement at the end of June) and pointed out that, based on a public interest notification, the NKFH, with the assistance of patrols from the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), carried out a full-scale official inspection of a retail and wholesale unit in the 19th district. The inspected facility was in a disorderly and neglected condition, the internal and external environment of the store was objectionable in terms of both hygiene and maintenance, and the NKFH staff found unlabeled products – including olive oils.

It was recalled that, based on laboratory tests, the fatty acid composition of the products sold as extra virgin olive oil was typical of sunflower oil, thus they were placed on the market with a misleading name. Products distributed in this way are considered counterfeit.

Due to the irregularities discovered, the authority ordered the blocking of products distributed under the Vesuvio brand name and labeled as olive oil until the status of the products is clarified, especially those items that do not contain Hungarian language markings, cannot be traced, and lack the name of the manufacturer or distributor. Since the affected products are present nationwide in markets, retail and wholesale units, the NKFH ordered special inspections of all products with such names, involving the food chain supervision departments of government agencies.

The NKFH will take the necessary measures, but at the same time it draws the attention of consumers to the fact that, given the gravity of the violation, they should not purchase products labeled as extra virgin olive oil sold under the Vesuvio brand name and advertised on social media – especially those that do not include the manufacturer/distributor or Hungarian language markings. If you already have such a product, the authority asks you not to consume it and, if possible, return it to the place of purchase.