Unapproved Garlic Oil Prompts Kofinas Olive Oil Recall in Ohio 2026

An Ohio olive oil maker has pulled one of its flavored products from shelves and online sales after discovering it used a garlic essential oil that is not approved for culinary use. LMSI LLC, doing business as Kofinas Olive Oil, announced a voluntary recall on August 29, 2026, of its Garlic Mediterranean infused extra virgin olive oil, sold in 500 ml, 250 ml, and 100 ml glass bottles.

The recalled bottles were on the market for nearly a full year, from August 31, 2025, through August 27, 2026, giving the product a wide window of potential consumer exposure before the issue was caught.

Recalled Products at a Glance

The recall covers a single item: Kofinas’ Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil, packaged in three glass bottle sizes — 500 ml, 250 ml, and 100 ml. The company has not released specific lot numbers or UPC codes in its public announcement, so consumers who purchased this flavored oil during the affected sales window should treat any bottle in their possession as potentially subject to the recall.

What Triggered the Recall

According to the company’s statement, the garlic-infused oil was made using a garlic essential oil that is not approved for culinary, or food-contact, use. Essential oils intended for aromatherapy, cosmetics, or other non-food applications are not held to the same safety and purity standards as those cleared for ingestion, which is why regulators treat their presence in a food product as a recall-worthy issue even without confirmed illnesses.

Kofinas Olive Oil has stated that no illnesses have been reported in connection with the product to date. Still, the company is urging anyone experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction or foodborne illness after consuming the oil to contact a physician right away.

Where Were These Products Sold?

The affected olive oil was sold at two Cincinnati-area retail locations: the Montgomery Store & Infusion Kitchen at 8210 Market Place Ln., and the Findlay Market stand at 1801 Race St. It was also sold online through the company’s own website, meaning the recall’s reach likely extends beyond the local Cincinnati market to customers who ordered it for shipment elsewhere.

Because the product was available for purchase for roughly a year, both in-store shoppers and online customers across a broader area may have unused bottles still sitting in their pantries.

What Consumers Need to Do Now

Anyone who bought Kofinas’ Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil should stop using it. The company has advised that customers who experience any adverse reaction to the oil will receive a full refund. Consumers with questions, or who want to report a reaction, are encouraged to call the company directly at 513-325-5502 or 513-981-1412.

If you or a household member shows signs of an allergic reaction — such as swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing — or symptoms consistent with foodborne illness after using this product, seek medical attention promptly and mention the recalled oil to your provider.

What the Company Said

In its announcement, LMSI LLC/Kofinas Olive Oil wrote: ‘LMSI LLC/ Kofinas Olive Oil is issuing a voluntary recall of its Garlic Mediterranean infused extra virgin olive oil for using a garlic essential oil not approved for culinary use.’ The company also emphasized that there have been no reports of illness tied to the product so far, and thanked customers in advance for their cooperation with the recall.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted the announcement as a public service, noting that it does not endorse the product or the company. Consumers can find updates and further recall notices on the FDA’s official recalls page.