I started No Peanut Foods because I found out that the olive oil I was using, Montebello Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, was made in a facility with peanuts & “not safe for consumption for anyone with a peanut allergy”. This information is not on the product label or on the company’s website. I found out when I reached out to them directly. This is scary and frustrating.
I started looking into which olive oils are made in a peanut free facility and I found a couple, you can read a separate blog post about that here and these brands are listed on the No Peanut Foods website No Peanuts List.
But, I would like multiple options of safe olive oils so I am still emailing companies. Today I received a response from Colavita Foods. It’s frustrating to receive responses like this. Here is there email to me:
Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The raw material oils that Colavita utilizes to produce its olive oil products are sourced from facilities that may also process other food oils. Colavita requires documented authentication of each raw material purchase.
Colavita does not produce, store or distribute nut-based oil products. Colavita production processes are in fact formulated to minimize food safety risks. It needs to be noted however that all of our products are agricultural at their core and as such are subject to a variety of growing conditions.
As for our Colavita vinegars, there is no presence of peanuts in the facility.
We urge consumers who are affected with food-related allergies to exercise the same prudence with Colavita products as they do with other naturally grown products. We also ask consumers to consult with their medical professionals on specific inquiries relating to the advisability of utilizing such products in their diets.
Please contact us if there are any further questions.
Sincerely,
Marisa De Sapio
Quality Assurance
Colavita USA
1 Runyons Lane
Edison, NJ 08817
Phone: 732.404.8300 Ext. 152
Fax: 732.287.9402
They clearly state that their vinegar is safe to eat but are very vague about their olive oil. It is a yes or no question, and not difficult to answer! 😣Because the Colavita Vinegar is safe from any peanut cross contamination I have added Colavita to my Some Products OK list.