Olive Oil Authenticity and Regulations: Industry Leaders Call for Action
The notable increase in olive oil consumption has not been accompanied by equally prompt regulations for its authenticity: a serious delay that has left ample room for fraud.
This was stated by Nicola Ruggiero, president of Unaprol, the national association of producers, at the conclusion of the conference organized on the last day of the Fiera dell’agricoltura e dell’artigianato della Valtenesi e della Riviera del Garda Bresciamo, held in Puegnago.
Inspections and Regulations
“Even today,” added Ruggiero, “controls are sporadic and superficial, allowing some… unscrupulous companies to produce oil in laboratories. A comprehensive law is missing, without which the sector risks collapsing.”
Control must be entrusted to Consortia, providing them with financial and legal resources.” The entire Coldiretti was present at the closing of the fair, also to participate in the inauguration of the street named after Paolo Bonomi, the leader during the most difficult years of the industry.
Regional Recognitions and Initiatives
Alongside Mayor Gianfranco Comincioli, there were the national president Paolo Bedoni, the two vice presidents Nino Andena and Gennaro Masiello, the secretary-general Franco Pasquali, and legal affairs director Gaetano Verano.
On this occasion, an Extraordinary Regional Council was also held, which awarded the honor to Nino Pisani, who has become an experienced leader and now heads Ersal Lombardia.
Regarding extra virgin olive oil, the European Community awarded the Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) to Lake Garda in Brescia and the Lombard lakes (Sebino, Lario).
Protection and Defense of Olive Oil
Hon. Franco Ferrari, moderator of the conference, hoped for the creation of a single Protection Consortium, recognizing within it the four provinces (Brescia, Verona, Mantova, Trento) and the three regions.
Comincioli urged everyone not to abandon the path taken so far in defense and promotion, despite the confusion caused by the proliferation of counterfeits.
Giovanni Mazzoldi, who leads Aipol, emphasized the need for an olive-growing plan aimed at strengthening the image of a lake area where 4.5 million tourists spend their holidays, many of whom seek quality.
Regulatory Framework and Quality
Enrica Marsella, head of the Regulatory Coordination Office of the Union of National Producers, insisted on the necessity of putting consortia and institutions at the forefront to defend authenticity among a myriad of brands and… ill-gotten gains in the global market.
The DOP awarded by the European Community is linked to the place of origin, not to the processing location.
Marsella also encouraged the sale of bottled labeled products, the only way to fetch a significant price.
Luca Valdetara, responsible for certification according to the Csqa regulation, explained that the ministry is enforcing increasingly strict policies.
“Certifying a product,” he emphasized, “means guaranteeing its organoleptic characteristics as well.” Giulio Battisti, secretary of the Brescia Consumer Union, discussed the nutritional values of extra virgin olive oil, highlighting the importance of consuming mechanically produced oil, without additives, and more so, “organic,” free from pesticides.
Discussion and Interventions
The debate featured contributions from Ottorino Milesi, former Director of the Provincial Agricultural Inspectorate, Doctor Gallucci, and Doctor Comba.
