Two brands of olive oil have been withdrawn from the market due to problems of false labeling and registrationaccording to the National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technologies (ANMAT).
Through measures published in the Official Journal, the organization has prohibited the production, fractionation and marketing throughout Argentina of extra virgin olive oils of the brands Fields of Barcelona Yes The Noah. According to ANMAT both measures try to protect the health of consumersand warned not to use these products considered illegal because they do not comply with current regulations.
Irregularities detected
According to provision 10307/2024 the brand’s extra virgin olive oil Fields of Barcelona was classified as illegal due to the absence of health documentation of the establishment and the product and for the falsification of the labelling, through the display registration numbers non-existent.
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ANMAT banned the sale and production of the “miracle plant” product
The investigations began after reports from the Institute of Food Control and Bromatology (ICAB) of Entre Ríos, which raised suspicions about the validity of the registers and compliance with the rules of Argentine food code.
The oil was classified as illegal due to lack of health documentation and falsified labeling.
For its part, olive oil The Noah It was prohibited by provision 10308/2024. The irregularities include false labeling due to the improper use of the National Register of Establishments (RNE) belonging to another company and the non-existent National Register of Food Products (RNPA). Additionally, the company was found to mention the product labeling This wasn’t recorded either..
ANMAT, after having ascertained that these products do not guarantee the traceability, quality or production safety conditions required by current regulations, has prohibited their marketing throughout the national territory and has ordered the withdrawal of any promotion on sales platforms online and also the production and fractionation of both products is prohibited.
The organization underlined the importance of these actions to protect public health, since these are products whose safety cannot be verified.
Natural products also in sight
In addition to olive oils, ANMAT has banned a number of branded products Naturalmedixwhich included Supplements promoted with unproven properties such as “fat burners,” “antioxidants,” and “cleansers.” Furthermore, these products did not have the necessary medical records, which led to their total ban.
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How can consumers identify trustworthy olive oil brands to avoid fraudulent products?
Interview: Time.news Editor Chats with Food Safety Expert Dr. Clara Mendoza
Time.news Editor: Good day, Dr. Mendoza! Thank you for joining us today. Recently, two brands of olive oil—Fields of Barcelona and The Noah—were withdrawn from the Argentine market due to serious concerns over false labeling and registration. As an expert in food safety, what are your initial thoughts on this news?
Dr. Clara Mendoza: Good day! Thank you for having me. This situation is quite alarming. The withdrawal of these olive oils by ANMAT (National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technologies) highlights the ongoing issue of food safety and the integrity of food labeling. It’s crucial that consumers can trust what they’re buying, especially when it comes to something as commonly used as olive oil.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! The measures taken by ANMAT aim to protect consumer health. Can you elaborate on the implications of false labeling in food products?
Dr. Clara Mendoza: Certainly. False labeling can mislead consumers about the origin, quality, and safety of a product. In this case, Fields of Barcelona’s oil lacked necessary health documentation and displayed nonexistent registration numbers. This not only violates regulations but could potentially expose consumers to unsafe products. It erodes trust in brands and regulatory bodies, which can have long-term repercussions on public health.
Time.news Editor: It seems these issues came to light following investigations by the Institute of Food Control and Bromatology. How important are these regulatory bodies in maintaining food safety in Argentina?
Dr. Clara Mendoza: They are essential. Regulatory bodies like ICAB play a critical role in monitoring food products and ensuring compliance with health standards. Their vigilance can catch issues before they escalate, protecting consumers from fraudulent or unsafe products. It’s also vital for fostering trust in the food system and encouraging other brands to adhere to regulations.
Time.news Editor: Given that two brands were singled out, do you believe this could indicate a broader issue within the olive oil sector or food industry in general?
Dr. Clara Mendoza: Yes, it certainly raises red flags. While we can’t generalize about the entire sector based on a couple of cases, it does suggest that checks and balances need strengthening. This could also prompt other brands to audit their practices to ensure compliance. The olive oil market can be particularly vulnerable to fraud, given its high demand and value.
Time.news Editor: Some might argue that these incidents are rare, but they do happen. What do you think consumers can do to protect themselves when purchasing olive oil or similar products?
Dr. Clara Mendoza: Consumers should be informed and vigilant. They should look for certifications, check for reputable brands, and pay attention to labeling details. Being aware of the regulatory framework in your country can also help. If a product seems unusually cheap or claims extraordinary benefits, it’s worth investigating further.
Time.news Editor: Wise advice! Lastly, as authorities take measures to ban these brands, what steps do you think should be taken to ensure better compliance from food producers?
Dr. Clara Mendoza: It’s imperative to enhance regulations and enforcement mechanisms. Increased penalties for non-compliance, regular audits, and greater transparency can help deter fraudulent practices. Furthermore, consumer education campaigns can empower individuals to demand higher standards in food safety, encouraging businesses to adhere to regulations. It’s about creating a culture of accountability.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Mendoza, for sharing your insights on this important topic. It’s clear that maintaining food safety is a collective responsibility, from regulatory bodies to consumers.
Dr. Clara Mendoza: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this crucial issue. Let’s hope for a safer food environment for everyone!
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! Here’s to a more transparent and healthy future.