The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), in cooperation with the security bodies, on Saturday announced the seizure of about 1,120 adulterated olive oil containers, estimated at 17,897 litres, during the 2020/2021 olive oil season in across the Kingdom, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

JFDA Director General  Nizar Muhaidat said that the seized quantity was completely destroyed and that suspects were arrested, adding that a total of 55 violations across the Kingdom were referred to the public prosecutor.

He highlighted that, during 594 field inspection trips to olive presses in various regions of the Kingdom, 6,600 litres of adulterated olive oil were seized in the central region, 1,066 litres in the eastern region, 10,176 litres in the northern region, and 55 litres in the southern region.

He indicated that the JFDA, in addition to its periodic monitoring of food facilities, implements continuous awareness programmes and campaigns, and conducts immediate field checks and laboratory tests for olive oil to ensure safety.

Muhaidat noted that the JFDA intensified its supervision over oil-production facilities and storage and distribution points in partnership with the Public Security Directorate (PSD) and the Royal Department for Environment Protection (Rangers).

He called on the public to purchase olive oil tanks which feature the olive oil tree logo, in a peculiar colour that is difficult to forge.