Feds seize truckload of fake olive oil

NEWARK, N.J. --More than a discerning palate has determined that thousands of cans of Hermes and San Giovanni brands of extra virgin olive oil weren't quite right.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration tested the chemical composition of the oil and found it was really less expensive soybean oil, prompting Thursday's seizure.

The U.S. Marshals Service seized 22,700 gallons of oil, imported from Italy, at a trucking company warehouse in Clifton.

"It is a whole lot of faux olive oil," said Mike Drewniak, a spokesman for U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie.

The labels on the 3-liter tins in 4,855 cases said the contents were more expensive extra virgin olive oil or pomace olive oil.

Because olive oil is five to six times more expensive than soybean oil, the potential estimated profit is about $105,600, according to the FDA.

"We will not permit New Jersey consumers to be defrauded," Christie said in a statement.

The tainted oil includes Hermes' brand of extra virgin olive oil and pomace oil and San Giovanni's brand of extra virgin oil. The cans remain at the warehouse in Clifton under a state-ordered embargo.