Kofinas Recalls Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil Over Unapproved Culinary Ingredient

CINCINNATI, Ohio (August 31, 2026): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that LMSI LLC/Kofinas Olive Oil is voluntarily recalling its Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil because it contains a garlic essential oil not approved for culinary use.

Kofinas Olive Oil sold the affected product at two Cincinnati locations and through its online store. Importantly, the company has received no reports of illnesses related to the recall, according to the FDA-posted announcement.

Kofinas recall: quick summary

Specifically, the recall covers Kofinas Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil packaged in 500 ml, 250 ml, and 100 ml glass bottles. The company sold the affected oil from August 31, 2025, through August 27, 2026.

Additionally, customers could purchase the product at the Montgomery Store & Infusion Kitchen, Findlay Market, and online. The company initiated the recall after using a garlic essential oil not approved for culinary use.

What happened?

According to the FDA notice, LMSI LLC/Kofinas Olive Oil voluntarily recalled its Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil after using a garlic essential oil not approved for culinary use. However, the notice does not explain how the company discovered the issue.

The recall covers three sizes of the flavored oil, all packaged in glass bottles. Notably, the FDA notice does not identify UPCs, lot codes, or best-by dates for the affected products.

Kofinas sold the olive oil from August 31, 2025, through August 27, 2026, at its Montgomery Store & Infusion Kitchen, Findlay Market, and online. During that period, customers could purchase the product directly from the company.

So far, the company has received no reports of illnesses involving the recalled products. Nevertheless, Kofinas advised anyone experiencing signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction or foodborne illness to contact a physician immediately.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Sizes	Packaging	Issue	Sales period
Kofinas	Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil	500 ml, 250 ml, 100 ml	Glass bottles	Garlic essential oil not approved for culinary use	Aug. 31, 2025 to Aug. 27, 2026

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, Kofinas recalled the olive oil because the company used a garlic essential oil not approved for culinary use. However, the announcement does not explain why the company used the essential oil or how it discovered the issue.

Additionally, the notice does not identify a specific illness or toxicological hazard associated with the ingredient. Therefore, consumers should avoid concluding risks beyond what the official announcement describes.

The company said no illnesses have been reported. However, it advised anyone experiencing signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction or foodborne illness to seek medical attention.

FSQA Insight

“Before an ingredient is introduced into a commercial formulation, QA should confirm that its intended use is appropriate and supported by the necessary specifications and regulatory information,” said Kristina Gaynilo, Food Safety QA at Source86.

“Building that review into product development can help teams identify suitability questions before a formulation moves from development into routine production.”

Here’s what you should do

Consumers who purchased Kofinas Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil should:

• Check whether they purchased the Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a 500 ml, 250 ml, or 100 ml glass bottle.
• Consider whether the product was purchased between August 31, 2025, and August 27, 2026.
• Check purchases made at the Montgomery Store & Infusion Kitchen, Findlay Market, or directly through Kofinas Olive Oil online.
• Contact a physician immediately if signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction or foodborne illness develop.
• Call 513-325-5502 or 513-981-1412 with questions about the recall.
• Contact the company regarding a refund if a reaction to the recalled oil occurred.

The FDA-posted announcement does not provide specific instructions directing all consumers to discard or return the recalled product.

Behind the brand

Kofinas Olive Oil is a family-run business with roots in Stavies, a village in Crete’s Messara Valley. According to the company, the family began importing olive oil from its Cretan groves to Cincinnati in 2007 under the Mt. Kofinas Olive Oil name.

Later, the business shortened its name to Kofinas Olive Oil and expanded its portfolio. Today, it offers extra virgin and infused olive oils, balsamic vinegars, gift sets, and other pantry products.

Additionally, Kofinas says it uses Cretan extra virgin olive oil as the base for products infused in-house at its Montgomery Infusion Kitchen in Cincinnati. The business also maintains a presence at Findlay Market.

Other relevant recalls

• Shanghai Ravioli Corporation Recalls Frozen Buffalo Chicken Products Produced Without Federal Inspection
• Gangothri Foods Recalls Pickled Goat and Chicken Products Produced Without Federal Inspection
• Asian America Trading Recalls Fish Skin Products Over Import Eligibility Issue
• Jaime’s Spanish Village Recalls Jalapeno Ranch Over Undeclared Egg Allergen

Regulatory context

Beyond the immediate recall, the Kofinas case highlights the importance of verifying ingredients for their intended food use before production begins.

For manufacturers, ingredient approval involves more than confirming identity or flavor characteristics. Instead, teams need accurate specifications and documentation that establish whether each ingredient is appropriate for its intended application.

This oversight becomes particularly important for infused, flavored, and specialty products that incorporate concentrated ingredients. In these cases, supplier documentation and formulation reviews can help teams identify regulatory concerns before products reach consumers.

More broadly, manufacturers, Co-Manufacturers, Co-Packers, and Private Label brands can strengthen ingredient controls by maintaining current specifications, reviewing intended uses, and documenting supplier approvals.

Ensuring safe eats

Ultimately, the Kofinas recall reinforces the value of strong ingredient oversight throughout food production. Clear supplier records, formulation reviews, and FSQA controls can help businesses address potential compliance issues before products reach consumers.

For now, consumers with the recalled garlic-infused olive oil should review the FDA notice and contact Kofinas with questions. Additionally, anyone experiencing signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction or foodborne illness should contact a physician, as the company advises.

Meanwhile, Source86 supports food companies with bulk ingredient sourcing, supplier management, FSQA oversight, Private Label production, and supply chain management. Contact us to learn more about building safer and more transparent food operations.

FAQs