Integrity and the Can of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
So the California state government is going to regulate olive oil (in this case, California will follow Connecticut). Case in point are adulterated cans of olive oil that are marked with 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil (See http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081121/ap_on_re_us/olive_oil_standards).
Now I am typically against government regulations, with a few exceptions. Maintaining integrity of everything from investment firms to branded products to olive oil pressings is one such exception.
Why? Well, take Bernard Maidoff, as example. SEC completely missed that one causing even more damage to a battered financial system. Our savings will bleed some more because of this. Phishing exploits the integrity of brands and reduces the usefullness of email. Etc. Integrity is key to confidence, and confidence propels humanity forward.
And as for olive oil adulterated with peanut oil? Well, apart from me frying something in what I believe to be Omega 3 rich stuff pressed by Italian farmers that may actually be inexpensive soybean or peanut oil, what about the poor sod who is allergic to peanuts and get an anaphylaxic shock?
Loosing integrity can (and will) turn fatal quickly.
Hurry up California. Purify my olive oil supply NOW.
Speaking of olive oil, remember to stock up regularly. Oils are highly perishable, so replace every 6-12 months regularly (before they oxidize and turn rancid).