Ensuring Authenticity in Every Drop: Catania Oils’ Commitment to Avocado Oil Quality

At Catania Oils, our commitment to quality and authenticity goes beyond industry standards—it’s a core value that drives every decision we make. With growing concerns about food fraud and the widespread adulteration of high-value oils like avocado oil, ensuring the purity of our products is not just a promise; it’s our responsibility.

As we anticipate a critical decision in November 2024 by the Codex Alimentarius Commission on setting international standards for avocado oil, Catania Oils is proud to demonstrate that we are ahead of the game. Our Head of Quality Assurance, Gwen Farley, partnered with Purity-IQ to co-author a groundbreaking study on avocado oil authentication, reinforcing our commitment to delivering 100% pure and authentic oils.

Understanding the Challenge: Why Avocado Oil Needs Rigorous Testing

Avocado oil’s popularity has surged due to its numerous health benefits, including high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, and polyphenols. Unfortunately, this demand has also led to increased adulteration, where lower-cost oils like corn, safflower, and sunflower are blended with avocado oil to reduce production costs. Traditional testing methods, while effective, can be time-consuming and are not always practical in a fast-paced market.

Upcoming Codex Decision in November 2024
In November 2024, the 47th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is expected to adopt a significant update to the international Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils. This announcement will establish recognized criteria for quality and purity that will help address market issues such as adulteration and boost consumer confidence.

While the final decision is still pending, Catania Oils has not waited for international standards to dictate our quality measures. Our proactive stance ensures we are ahead of industry changes, demonstrating our dedication to authenticity and transparency.

 A Breakthrough in Oil Authentication: The Role of NMR Spectroscopy

To tackle the issue of adulteration head-on, Catania Oils co-authored a study with Purity-IQ introducing a sophisticated approach to avocado oil authentication using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with Multivariate Statistical Analysis (MSA). This innovative method provides:

• Rapid Detection of Adulterants: By comparing the spectral profiles of authentic avocado oil with those of other oils, our testing can quickly and accurately detect adulterants.
• Comprehensive Spectral Library: We have built a robust library of spectral profiles that allows us to distinguish between pure and adulterated avocado oils with high confidence.
• Cross-Validation with Gas Chromatography (GC): Our findings are reinforced through cross-validation with GC, the current International Olive Council (IOC) approved standard method, ensuring the highest reliability of our testing methods.

This advanced approach positions Catania Oils at the forefront of oil authenticity, utilizing cutting-edge technology to uphold our promise of quality.

 Why This Matters: Setting the Standard for Quality

As the market prepares for the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s decision, Catania Oils stands prepared with a rigorous and proactive approach to oil testing that aligns perfectly with the soon-to-be-established standards. By already implementing robust testing measures, we ensure that:

• Consumers Trust Our Products: Our commitment to authenticity gives buyers confidence that Catania Oils’ avocado oil is pure and unadulterated.
• We Lead the Industry: While others may wait for regulatory changes, Catania Oils continues to push the boundaries of quality assurance, demonstrating our leadership in the market.
• We Stay Ahead of Regulations: With the upcoming Codex standards, Catania Oils is already meeting and exceeding what is expected in the industry.

Looking Ahead: Our Continued Commitment to Authenticity

At Catania Oils, we are not just reacting to industry changes—we are setting the pace. Our collaboration with Purity-IQ, our investment in advanced testing technologies, and our dedication to transparency are just some of the ways we are leading the charge in oil authenticity.

As we near the Codex decision, Catania Oils remains committed to providing oils that are authentic, pure, and of the highest quality. We were ahead of the game then, and we will continue to be so—because authenticity in every drop isn’t just our goal; it’s our promise.

Get the Details
Explore our avocado oil authenticity poster to learn more about our rigorous testing processes and the science behind NMR Spectroscopy.