Watch out! Mislabeled olive oils on market

I wish to draw the attention of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to a development in the market that requires attention.

While at the market at Okaishie in Accra to buy olive oil, I chanced upon this brand and noticed an anomaly, which clearly pointed to the fact that the product had issues, mislabeling of the quantity, raising issues of a possibility of fake.

Two bottles, one bigger than the other, were both labelled as 70ml.

That was not only strange, but a clear demonstration of a deliberate attempt to sell to the unsuspecting public, the said olive oils.

Olive oil comes from olive fruit and contains monounsaturated fatty acids.

Fatty acids in olive oil seem to decrease cholesterol levels and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Olive oil is commonly used in foods.

As a medicine, people most commonly use olive oil for heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Spiritually, olive oil produces a great flame with less smoke.

In Jewish tradition, olive oil symbolises the divine presence.

In the biblical text, olive oil is the main element of anointing.

It is used in the royal sacraments and the sacrament of baptism.

From these known uses for olive oils, it is clear that some of the products on the market could be injurious to human health, that’s for those who use them for cooking.

The FDA must act now to stop this practice.

There are too many un-certified products in the open and the time to rid the markets of these products should be now.

Charles Benoni Okine
Dansoman, Accra