Garlic Mediterranean Infused Olive Oil Recalled, Why Food Grade Oils Are Important!

Posted in Food Safety,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on September 4, 2026

Food grade oils are handled differently than non-food grade oils. Especially when it comes to food ingredients. A recent infused olive oil recall brings that point home.

In addition to notifying our readers of an infused olive oil recall, it is a great opportunity to discuss the differences between the two types of oils and why food grade oils are important in culinary applications.

Kofinas Olive Oil Recall

LMSI LLC issued a voluntary recall on August 29, 2026 for their Kofinas Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This recall was initiated because it contained “garlic essential oil not approved for culinary use.”

Affected product was packaged in 500 ml, 250 ml, and 100 ml glass bottle and sold at Montgomery Store & Infusion Kitchen (8210 Market Place Ln., Cincinnati, OH 45242), Findlay Market (1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202), and online at www.kofinasoliveoil.com.

These olive oil products were available for sale between August 31, 2025 and August 27, 2026.

According to the press release, “there have been no reports of illnesses involving products addressed in this recall.” However, “individuals exhibiting signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction or food-borne illness should contact a physician immediately.

Check your spice rack and pantry if you have purchased a garlic infused olive oil online or in Cincinnati recently.

How Was the Problem Discovered?

It is unclear how the use of non-food grade oils in the Kofinas Garlic Mediterranean Infused olive oil was discovered. The distribution period spans just under a year, so it is possible the problem was revealed during a routine inspection or supply chain verification step.

Unfortunately, consumers who purchased these products up to a year ago have purchased and likely used an olive oil made with an ingredient not intended for human consumption.

What is the Difference Between Food Grade Oils and Non-Food Grade Oils

When it comes to food grade oils and non-food grade oils, there is no specific governing body responsible for grading them.

For quality, that is.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does provide a list of essential oils, oleoresins, and natural extractives they have categorized as Generally Recognized as Safe (or GRAS) “for their intended use.”

Garlic does not appear on the list, which means no garlic essential oil has been presented with safety data sufficient to be added to the list. Regardless of quality, garlic essential oils will not be considered food grade oils until such criteria is met. That doesn’t mean that garlic essential oils do not exist.

They clearly do.

This is where labeling comes into play.

For example, basil essential oil is listed on the FDA’s GRAS page. However, some basil oils may not be essential oils. But ones used for topical use or even for aroma. Those should be labeled “not for culinary use.”

Without a governing body, who decides which essential oils are food grade oils versus cosmetic use oils versus aromatic oils (used for aromatherapy)?

For the most part, the burden lies on the manufacturer.

What Happens If You Consume Non-Food Grade Oils

So, what happens if you consume non-food grade oils?

Do your eyes roll back and get replaced with a skull and crossbones image like in a cartoon. Will you grasp your neck and keel over like in a dramatic scene of a classic spy movie? Do you spend extra time in the bathroom? Or do your organs get impacted with chronic use?

I am leaning more toward the latter.

Some people may experience acute effects after consuming essential oils not intended for culinary use. The body may attempt to dispel the toxin through vomiting or diarrhea to rid itself of the offending compounds.

However, I suspect a longer-term problem can be an issue when a non-food grade essential oil is used regularly over time. As with most toxins and poisons, filtering organs like your liver and kidneys are impacted most. After all, they do the dirty work and often hold onto these potentially dangerous molecules.

You may also experience contact irritation. Your hands, mouth, tongue, and/or esophagus may become inflamed, depending on the non GRAS oil consumed and how much of it you use.

Could you be fine?

Maybe.

But knowingly consuming essential oils not intended for culinary use is simply not worth the risk.

Have You Become Sick After Consuming Kofinas Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil Made with Non-Food Grade Oils?

If you have consumed LMSI LLC Kofinas Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil and become sick, you may have questions.

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!

But there are a few things you can do to help your situation.

Reach Out to Your Healthcare Provider

If you believe you have become sick from consuming Kofinas Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil made with non-food grade garlic essential oil, you should reach out to your healthcare provider right away.

Certain blood tests monitoring important organ systems can reveal the impact of consuming the recalled product on your body. Comparing those results to a previous laboratory panel (if available) can help quantify the impact.

Retain Product Packaging and/or Receipts

Discontinue use of recalled product immediately. But it is a good idea to retain product packaging (along with leftover product) and/or receipts to support your case. Specific lot numbers could narrow down or expand traceback investigation activities.

Clearly label the product so that it will not be used, but hold onto it in case you are asked for it by your food poisoning lawyer or local health authorities.

Get Advice

It is also a good idea to get advice from a food poisoning lawyer. An experienced food poisoning lawyer can help you through this difficult process. They can answer your questions, point you in the direction of resources, and represent you as needed.

Medical bills, lost work, and other burdens associated with food poisoning add up.

Call (833) 330-3663 or fill out the online submission form for your free, no obligation consultation today!

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If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Garlic Mediterranean Infused Olive Oil Recalled, Why Food Grade Oils Are Important!,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)