Consumers
may have noticed that we have changed our policy with respect to extra virgin
olive oil (EVOO) on Passover, in that we are only recommending those that bear
specific kosher for Passover certification. We would like to explain this
policy change. In late
2015, a number of news reports were published that detailed rampant fraud
amongst sellers of EVOO, in that they were being diluted with lower grades of
olive oil and cheaper sunflower and canola oils. Indeed, Tom Mueller, an industry expert interviewed
in one of these investigations concluded that “75-80 percent of the oil sold in
the U.S. does not meet the legal grades for extra-virgin oil.” (Two such reports can be seen here and here).
For kosher consumers,
the purity of olive oil is paramount during Passover for kashrut reasons. The
other oils used in the dilution are usually kitniyot however chometz is a
possibility as well. Canola oil production for example can sometimes involve
citric acid which can be a chometz derivative.
After
consulting with several testing laboratories as well as our own consultant chemist
we found that a) most are not equipped to test extra virgin olive oil, b) those
that offer tests were not able to provide conclusive results and c) falsified
results have been reported by olive manufacturers and olive boards around the
world – meaning that results can be falsified.
We have initiated discussions with a local food science college to take
on an EVOO testing project - looking at known pure samples, adulterated samples
and incorporating multiple batches. They have access to the most reliable testing
methodology which uses UV spectrophotometry that can be quite costly - at over $1000 per sample.
There are
some who suggest a simple do-it-at-home test to determine the purity of EVOO
samples. In essence, you place the EVOO in a refrigerator for 24 hours and if
it is truly EVOO it should solidify. Many point out that this test is not definitive
because some oils can still be adulterated and solidify thereby “passing” the
fridge test. Nonetheless, we conducted the fridge test with five bottles of
EVOO purchased in a local store in Toronto. Four had standard year round kosher
certification, and one had kosher for Passover certification. After 24 hours, two
of our five bottles remained liquid – meaning that they “failed” the fridge
test and may be adulterated. Of note, the brand with kosher for Passover
certification did indeed pass the fridge test.
We realize
this test is by no means scientific and we hope to have more conclusive data by
next Passover. We also appreciate that there are a range of opinions about this
issue in the kosher community. But Passover is a time when Jewish people around
the world and for generations have always been extremely careful about what we
eat in order to abide by the very special laws of Passover. As a result, we advise consumers to exercise caution until further information is available.
Finally, we
have investigated and found that EVOO with specific kosher for Passover
certification is indeed available at a comparable price point in Toronto and
across Canada where kosher consumers often shop.
Have a Happy and Kosher Passover – Chag Kasher VeSameach
EVOO Fridge Test: two bottles on right remained liquid
