The NEODA Oil Monitoring Programme
What is it and what does it do?
NEODA is the National Edible Oil Distributors Association. Members of NEODA are UK based edible oil and fat refiners, processors, distributors and agents associated with the industry. Members of NEODA are respected companies and they all operate under the NEODA GUARANTEE OF CONFIDENCE SCHEME.
NEODA members are selected to collect samples of vegetable oils and animal fats throughout the UK These samples, collected at random, have been packed by both NEODA and non-NEODA members. The samples are sent for analysis to check that what is in the box or bottle matches the ingredient label. The volume of product is also checked for accuracy! The analysis is carried out at 1 of 5 laboratories in the UK that have the specialised equipment to undertake this skilled work.
So why do it?
If you are a caterer and you buy, say, SUNFLOWER OIL how do you know that
it's SUNFLOWER OIL in the container??? Oh! I see it says SUNFLOWER OIL on the label!
Well, that"s alright then!!!
OH NO IT'S NOT!!!
Did you know... that recently a number of independent vegetable oil packers have sold their customers products declaring RAPESEED OIL on the label when in fact the oil they packed was genetically modified SOYBEAN OIL!!!!?
Did you know... one independent vegetable oil packer was found to be declaring groundnut oil on the label but filling the drum with a blend of groundnut oil and soybean oil? Yes, soybean oil is significantly less expensive than groundnut oil!
Did you know... there is currently an imported PALM OIL being marketed in the United Kingdom and it contains an additive NOT PERMITTED in food products in the UK?
The opportunity for fraud is created because without sophisticated chemical analysis it is virtually impossible for wholesalers, retailers or end- users to check the specification of the product against the product delivered. Therefore we believe the label on the container!
We, quite literally, believe our eyes! The oil in the container is pale yellow and it is "oily"! So, that's alright then!!!! OH NO IT'S NOT!!!! All refined liquid vegetable oil is pale yellow and "oily"!!!!
Even rancid oil is pale yellow and "oily"!!
The NEODA Oil Monitoring Programme is an essential policing element in the edible oil and fat industry.
All United Kingdom edible oil and fat refiners, who are members of NEODA, produce high quality products and the labelling of these products will always be accurate and legal. The potential problems arise when these products are sold to a small minority of unscrupulous independent oil packers who then commit what is no less than quite deliberate fraud.
Throughout the year, members of NEODA collect sample drums and boxes of edible oils and fats. These samples are then sent to 1 of 5 scientific laboratories for analysis to determine the legitimacy of the product and to ensure that "what it says on the box, bottle or drum is in the box, bottle or drum". We also ensure that the product has been accurately and legally labelled. NEODA then produces an annual report and this report is submitted to the relevant authorities for action.
YOU SHOULD ONLY BUY EDIBLE OILS AND FATS THAT DISPLAY
THE NEODA GUARANTEE OF CONFIDENCE LOGO.