The German Method of Testing for Soft Column Refined Olive Oil

As testing methods for chemically refined olive oil have become more accurate, large commercial olive oil traders predominantly in Europe and the U.S. have become more savvy about hiding refined oils.  These refined oils are masqueraded as extra virgin olive oil on the grocery market shelf. This new way to cheat is called soft column refining.  This refining method heats and passes old, poor quality, off grade, fusty, oxidized and or rancid olive oil through a column containing diatomaceous earth which deodorizes any fermented or rancid flavors and odors present in the olive oil.  The heat exposure is short and the chemical fingerprint of the olive oil remains largely the same except for a few obvious markers which can only be detected when using the German Method.  Interestingly enough, Italy, Spain and large commercial grade olive oil importers in the United States are strictly opposed to using the German Method to test for soft column refining.