Under the microscope of the Hellenic Food Authority (EFET) are orange and apple juices sold as 100% authentic, after laboratory tests conducted following a consumer complaint detected the presence of exogenous sugars. The products were deemed non-compliant and withdrawn from the market. In response, and with the aim of protecting consumers and identifying practices that may mislead them regarding the actual composition of products, the Hellenic Food Authority is launching a series of authenticity checks on fruit juices. Special emphasis is being placed on products sold as “100% natural juices,” in order to determine whether they contain added exogenous sugars.
Read also: EFET recalls natural juices from the market — which products are affected (Images)
EFET collaborates with Spanish laboratory
In the case of the juices that were withdrawn, a scientific evaluation was first carried out by EFET’s Scientific Council for Food Control. The investigation was conducted in collaboration with the General Chemical State Laboratory of Greece and the Spanish official control laboratory, the Agri-Food Arbitration Laboratory.
Olive oil, honey, and dairy products also under scrutiny
At the same time, EFET is conducting systematic sampling and laboratory analyses on olive oil, honey, and dairy products, in order to verify their authenticity and compliance with established standards.
Controls have been extended to production facilities as well as online food sales.
To oversee the market, the authority is leveraging advanced laboratory methods and partnerships both within Greece and across Europe, while also participating in coordinated European actions against food fraud.
