A Laval firm that describes itself as an importer of the "finest olive oils ....from around the world" has admitted that it was cutting olive and grapeseed oil labelled as 100% pure with another type of vegetable oil.
La Presse says the owners of Simon and Nolan have refused to comment on their court appearance last month where they pleaded guilty to four counts of violating the Food and Drugs Act and were fined $20,000.
The charges were laid after a complaint was forwarded to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency which tested Simon and Nolan extra virgin olive oil, 100% pure olive oil and 100% grape seed oil and found all three had been altered with a cheaper oil.
Three other charges against the company were dropped.
Products that have been altered have all been marketed under the name Villa Toscanella, in 750 ml, 1 liter or 3 liter bottles.