Abstract
Global trade in olive oil is on the rise. The growing interest in olive oil among consumers, who are increasingly incorporating it into their daily diet due to its health and nutritional benefits may result in lower-quality olive oil appearing on the retail market. The paper presents the results of tests conducted in 2021-2023 (Q3 2021, Q4 2022 and 2023) by the laboratories of the Main Inspectorate JHARS in Gdynia, Olsztyn and Poznań. The batches included in the scope of the tests came from all over the country. A total of 164 batches were subjected to laboratory tests (including 152 batches declared as the highest category, i.e. extra virgin olive oil). Olive oil samples were taken during IJHARS inspections at retail outlets, as well as at entities importing, exporting, bottling, storing and wholesaling olive oil. The purpose of the tests was to verify the compliance of the category of olive oil indicated by the producer with the category available on the domestic market. The analysis included tests of physico-chemical and organoleptic parameters for compliance with applicable regulations and the manufacturer’s declaration. The results obtained indicated that in most cases the declaration of olive oil quality on the product labeling did not comply with regulations. The quality of olive oil was lower (by 1 or 2 categories) in 67% of the products tested in 2021, 58.5% in 2022, and 76.5% in 2023.