File photo. [Shutterstock]
Greek authorities systematically carry out fewer checks than required by the European Union legislation on the quality and authenticity of olive oil, according to a report published on Wednesday by the European Court of Auditors.
The reason, according to what the Greek authorities said, is the ongoing problems of understaffing and insufficient funding, as well as procedural challenges in the provision of laboratory services.
The ECA investigation into olive oil inspections was carried out in Spain, Italy, Greece and Belgium. As regards Greece, the European institution found the following: The Greek authorities’ compliance checks only cover olive oil produced in Greece and intended for the Greek market, excluding imported and exported olive oil. Even when sanctions are imposed, they are considered ineffective.
Furthermore, businesses are allowed to blend olive oil from two different harvests and use the date of the most recent to determine the date of minimum durability.
Although all four member-states audited carry out risk analysis – albeit to different degrees – when planning compliance checks, in Greece the risk analyses are rather more general in nature.
Finally, the checks carried out in Greece at retail level do not include verification of the place of origin.
Dining and Cooking