The prosecutor's office in Rome is investigating adulterated olive oil allegedly used by 50 restaurants in the Italian capital.
The carabinieri carried out the research, and according to the data so far, it is a seed oil with chlorophyll and beta carotene, which was allegedly used by restaurants located in the historic centre of Rome, mainly around the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Fontana di Trevi.
The investigation has also extended to southern Italy, in Puglia, where there is an undeclared producer who, according to the press, is responsible for the adulteration. The fake olive oil was available for €3 a litre, compared to its regular price of €9, and there are strong suspicions that several restaurant owners knew it was actually coloured seed oil.
The bottles were labelled "pure virgin olive oil of Italian production", and the whole scam allegedly sold large quantities of seed oil, probably tens of tons.
It is not the first time it has happened, and according to experts, it is very likely that the Italian mafia is also involved in this process, which, in this way, launders a part of its illegal profits.
READ MORE: Why Greek Olive Oil is the Ultimate Superfood.
