The Korea Consumer Agency examined 14 capsule- and stick-type olive oil products on the market and found price differences of up to six times despite similar ingredients.
The agency said on the 9th that all products met relevant standards after analyzing oil freshness and the presence of harmful substances. All products also satisfied the Codex Alimentarius (CODEX) international food standards in testing.
All products contained 84-88% unsaturated fat and 12-16% saturated fat. In particular, oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, accounted for 73-81% of total fatty acids, exceeding the CODEX minimum standard of 53%. Consuming monounsaturated fatty acids can help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease.
However, some tested products showed actual acidity levels that differed from the acidity information provided on online shopping malls. Twelve of the 14 products had actual acidity levels 128-311% higher than labeled.
This was because the existing acidity labels were based on imported raw materials. The agency confirmed that olive oil's acidity naturally rises over storage time due to the nature of the product. Accordingly, the agency recommended that acidity labeling and advertising for olive oil specify that the figures are based on raw materials.
Meanwhile, based on 1 gram (mL) of olive oil, capsule-type products cost 263 won to 683 won while stick-type products cost 29 won to 178 won, showing that capsule-type products are more expensive than stick-type products. Based on a single serving, capsule-type products cost 263 won to 1,093 won and stick-type products cost 348 won to 2,133 won, showing large differences by type. The gap between products reached up to six times.
"Olive oil contains beneficial components such as unsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, but it is a high-energy food that generates 9 kcal per gram, so intake should be controlled," the agency said. "Excessive consumption can cause abdominal pain and nausea, so caution is needed."
