Bottles of oregano often contained large quantities of cheaper alternatives such as olive and myrtle leaves, which look almost identical, the research carried out by Professor Elliott discovered. In some cases, as much as 70 per cent of the product was made up of the unlisted ingredients.
In other words FOOD FRAUD
Cumin
In February this year, The Independent revealed how cheap peanuts and almonds were being used in place of more expensive cumin seeds, which enhance flavour in soups, stews and processed meals. The issue was described as potentially more serious than the horsemeat scandal due to the fatal risk it posed to the UK’s 500,000 nut allergy sufferers.
Paprika
The so-called “nuts-for-spices” scandal escalated when one of the food suppliers caught up in the investigation into cumin substitutes said it also found undeclared traces of almond protein in batches of paprika. The powder, which is made from sweet and hot dried peppers, is one of the most popular ingredients in European cooking.
