Consumer Warning Against Olive Oil Fraud from Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce

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The Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce warned consumers about counterfeiting due to olive oil being the most frequently listed product in the updated list of counterfeit and adulterated foods published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

"AYVALIK, THE CAPITAL OF OLIVE OIL SINCE THE OTTOMAN ERA"

Chamber President Ali Uçar stated to reporters that the Ayvalık district of Balıkesir has nearly 2 million olive trees, with 1 million 180 thousand trees over 300 years old and 61 registered monumental trees over 600 years old, making it a center for high-quality olive oil production.

Uçar emphasized that the olive groves, which constitute 81.8% of the agricultural land, covering an area of 169,262 decares, have a reputation and significance that surpasses Turkey, thanks to centuries-old olive cultivation activities and culture in the district. He noted that Ayvalık has been recognized as the "capital of olive oil" since the Ottoman era, stating, "Ayvalık has secured its place in the world literature with its delicacy. The Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce was the first to register the geographical indication of 'Ayvalık olive oil' in its class in 2006 and also has the first accredited sensory analysis laboratory for olive oil in its class since 2014."

"THE EFFORTS OF OUR PRODUCERS AND BUSINESSES ARE BEING STOLEN"

Recalling that the harvest begins every year in October, Uçar pointed out that not every olive oil labeled "Ayvalık" is "Ayvalık olive oil," and recommended that products with geographical indications on their packaging be preferred. He mentioned that according to the list published by the Ministry, olive oil is the most frequently counterfeited and adulterated product, and continued:

"Counterfeiting and fraud are significant problems in all food products, including 'Ayvalık olive oil.' As the harvest season approaches, the raids conducted by the Ministry and the lists of adulteration have brought this issue to the forefront once again. This food fraud, which occasionally comes to the agenda, primarily steals the efforts of producers and then our businesses, damaging our brand values. Our consumers should definitely prefer products with geographical indications. The Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce, with its accredited analysis laboratory, monitors and controls geographical indication olive oils step by step according to the Turkish Food Codex, both chemically and sensorially. These geographical indication products are safe products. We announce these on the Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce website and on social media platforms to our consumers."

"STAY AWAY FROM PRODUCTS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN STORED PROPERLY"

"It is very important to have at least a little knowledge about tasting olive oil. Our consumers should definitely buy from well-known places. They should prefer products from established brands where they can find a contact person. Our consumers should not choose unbranded products that do not have any brand on them, stored in plastic bottles under unsuitable storage conditions, and sold on the roadside and in markets under the name of organic."

CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES ARE SOLD AS OLIVE OIL

Uçar stated that adulteration in the product involves mixing cheaper vegetable and trans fats with olive oil and selling them as "extra virgin olive oil" or under different names. He explained that counterfeit products are marketed in closed packaging, giving the appearance of olive oil by mixing olive oil aromas with different chemical substances, aromas, and colorings, emphasizing that most counterfeits are sold using the name "Ayvalık." Uçar noted that counterfeit products that deceive consumers and jeopardize their health are mostly sold on social media and online commerce sites, adding that the sales of these products, often referred to as "under-the-table," should be prevented first.