Italian olive oil fraud protests in Bari demand stricter controls

Farmers and industry groups from Molise and Abruzzo gathered in Bari to protest what they describe as widespread fraud in the extra‑virgin olive oil market. They say the price of authentic Italian olive oil has fallen by more than 50% in the past year, forcing growers to operate at a loss while low‑cost, often non‑EU imports flood supermarkets.

Representatives of Coldiretti and Unaprol called for immediate measures, including increased inspections, a ban on mixing olive oil with inferior products, the suspension of zero‑duty imports from Tunisia, and the introduction of electronic traceability from olive collection. They also urged the use of scientific tools such as isotopic mapping and nuclear magnetic resonance to verify olive origins.

The protest highlighted concerns over consumer health, noting that counterfeit oil could enter school and hospital cafeterias, and stressed the need for stronger legal action against deceptive labeling and unfair pricing practices.