King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has unveiled a groundbreaking scientific innovation for detecting adulterated olive oil and determining the extent of contamination.

This development, in collaboration with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), comes amid growing concerns over olive oil fraud in the European Union, where record levels of counterfeit labeling have undermined consumer confidence.

According to KAUST, the new method utilizes Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology to guarantee that the olive oil found on supermarket shelves is authentic and matches product label claims. The findings have been published in the scientific journal Food Control.

Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest importers of olive oil, is increasingly concerned about the manipulation of olive and extra virgin olive oils by some producers who mix them with other vegetable oils. This practice allows sellers to offer lower-quality products at reduced prices, misleading consumers into believing they are purchasing high-quality olive oil.

The SFDA emphasized its commitment to ensuring food safety for all citizens and residents and has begun exploring innovative analytical methods for evaluating olive oil, selecting KAUST as a key partner in this effort.

Dr. Hiba Alharbi, a scientist at the SFDA’s laboratories, noted that KAUST was chosen for its expertise in advanced analytical techniques, particularly in high-resolution NMR spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis, which enhance the ability to detect various vegetable oils blended with olive oil.

Both organizations are exploring expanding their partnership to include the detection of plastics, microplastics, and other contaminants in cooking oils.

KAUST’s NMR facilities are collaborating with institutions nationwide to address national priorities, demonstrating an exemplary model of how partnerships can enhance food quality and public health in Saudi Arabia.