Identifying Counterfeit Local Goods: A Guide

Identifying Counterfeit Local Goods: A Guide

In an effort to maintain the integrity of local products, the fraud repression office in France has been diligently checking the labels of olive oils for authenticity. This is particularly important during holiday seasons, as the issue of authenticity of local products, specifically olive oil, has been a concern for many consumers.

One advocate for French olive oil producers, Alexandra Paris, has been checking the labels of stalls at summer markets on the French Riviera to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products. Unfortunately, the presence of so-called Provencal oils of foreign origin has been a problem for some producers, such as Olivier Roux, who left the markets 15 years ago due to this issue.

For those looking to purchase authentic olive oil, it is essential to look for certifications and quality marks such as the International Olive Council (IOC) standards, Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), or organic certifications. These labels indicate that the olive oil has been produced according to strict standards and regulations, ensuring its quality and geographic origin.

In the case of Marseille soap, by historic edict from Louis XIV in 1688, true Marseille soap must contain only pure olive oils and no animal fats. To ensure the authenticity of Marseille soap, it is recommended to buy from established soap makers in Marseille or trusted French markets with clear labeling about ingredients and origin. Authentic Marseille soaps typically follow traditional formulations regulated by historical standards.

The Professional Union of Marseille Soaps (UPSM) has a special logo to guarantee the authenticity of Marseille soap. However, some soaps without the official logo have been found to contain excessive ingredients, such as multiple dyes and allergens, and do not correspond to the charter of Marseille soaps. These soaps are almost as expensive as the genuine ones, making it all the more important for consumers to be vigilant.

In a specialized laboratory, the composition of the soaps without the official logo was analyzed, revealing that they did not meet the UPSM's charter criteria, which defines what a Marseille soap is and why it's good for the skin. The four authentic soap factories have been seeking protection for the Marseille soap appellation since 2014, without success yet.

The production costs for French olive oil are above 15 euros per litre, while a litre of oil in Spain is around 3 or 4 euros. This difference in production costs is seen as unfair competition by some producers. Some stalls have a 100% France indication, but others do not specify the origin of their olive oil, making it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.

In conclusion, when shopping for olive oil and Marseille soap in French markets, it is crucial to look for certifications and quality marks, check producer reputation, and buy from reputable vendors. By doing so, consumers can ensure they are purchasing genuine, locally produced products that meet strict quality standards.

1. Alexandra Paris, an advocate for French olive oil producers, has been inspecting olive oil labels at summer markets on the French Riviera to guarantee their quality and authenticity.
2. To guarantee the authenticity of Marseille soap, it is recommended to buy from established soap makers in Marseille or trusted French markets with clear labeling about ingredients and origin, and to look for the UPSM's special logo.
3. The production costs for French olive oil are significantly higher than those for olive oil in Spain, leading some producers to view this as unfair competition.
4. For those interested in a healthy-and-wellness lifestyle, cooking with and purchasing authentic French olive oil and Marseille soap for home-and-garden use can be a part of a holistic approach to food-and-drink and lifestyle preferences.

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