Overview

• An analysis of 22 extra-virgin olive oils sold in France, including organic varieties, found all samples contaminated with plasticizers and petroleum-derived hydrocarbons.
• Detected phthalates, such as DEHP, are classified as endocrine disruptors and reprotoxic substances by the European Chemicals Agency.
• Some oils contained mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) at levels up to five times the EU's acceptable safety threshold.
• Experts suggest that contamination likely originates from banned production and storage materials, such as tanks and transport equipment.
• Despite contamination, the oils comply with EU standards for fatty acid and sterol content and retain beneficial polyphenols known to protect against oxidative stress.