Guarantee of Confidence Scheme

Results of the 2007 Oil Monitoring Programme

Over 60 samples have been collected and analysed during 2007.

Of the samples analysed and reviewed to date:-

11 were Sunflower Oil
8 were Corn Oil
5 were Rapeseed Oil;
3 were Groundnut (peanut) Oil
8 were Palm Oil
2 were Olive Oil
with the balance being sold generically as vegetable oil or fat.

One product was labelled as rapeseed in the ingredient panel but was in fact 100% soya oil.
One product was labelled as rapeseed oil but but was contaminated with 20-25% soyabean oil.
One product was labelled as olive pomace oil but appears to have been blended with up to 50% rape/soya or both.

Some of the retail samples came out slightly underweight but the oil is extremely difficult to get out of the smaller bottles. All containers must, on average, be not less than the declared nominal volume. In addition, not more than 21/2% (1 in 40) of all containers may be more than "The Tolerable Negative Error" (T.N.E.) below the nominal volume. We found two samples that were below this weight.

Of all the samples analysed and reviewed, the most consistent problems highlighted concerned labelling whereby claims of 'Pure' were made when the product contained an additive, usually an antifoaming agent; claims for 'High in Polyunsaturates', 'Low in Saturates' and 'No or Low Cholesterol' were made despite this being advised against by NEODA, FSA and LACORS. Lastly, there were many issues with illegible durability labelling and/or no lot/batch number.

Please see NEODA's claims advice.