Government prohibits sales of the San Olivetto olive oil brand
The Brazilian government has banned the sale of San Olivetto olive oil due to irregularities and unknown origins of the product.
On October 16, the Brazilian federal government issued a prohibition on the sale of San Olivetto olive oil following an investigation by the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). The decision came after officials discovered that the products were of unknown origin and that the companies responsible for importing and distributing these oils had serious irregularities. The announcement was made in the Diário Oficial da União, which serves as the official government publication for notices such as these.
The prohibition not only halts the sale but also mandates the seizure of existing products, effectively preventing any commercial activity surrounding San Olivetto olive oil throughout Brazil. The controversy primarily revolves around the oversight of the import company, Agro Indústria e Cerealista Norte Paraná Ltda, which has been flagged for having a suspended CNPJ (National Registry of Legal Entities) due to discrepancies in its registration status with the Receita Federal since May 22, 2025. This raises significant questions about regulatory measures within Brazil's food safety and hygiene regulations.
Furthermore, the distributor mentioned, Comercial Alimentícia e Cerealista Capixaba Ltda, has also faced issues, with its registration formally canceled since November 6. The government's decision underscores the importance of ensuring food safety and the need for accountability in the processing and distribution of food products, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance consumer safety and maintain product integrity in Brazil's market.