Brazilian government vetoes 9 olive oil brands on suspicion of fraud

The Ministry of Agriculture notified the Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (ABRAS) about the ban of sales of nine brands of olive oil, under suspicion of fraud. The statement issues suggested that the products were sold as extra virgin olive oil, when in fact they are a mix of soy oil. The Consumer Protection Department reported that the criminals filled the soybean oil and sold it as a more expensive product. The Civil Police of the State of Espírito Santo carried out the investigation and last week dismantled the criminal organization specialized in the falsification of olive oils. The cities where the products were offered for sale are still being identified. According to the Brazilian code, this crime constitutes consumer fraud and a crime against public health. All establishments that have counterfeit olive oil brands must immediately inform the legal authorities and the products will be destroyed.