But two separate batches of Moroccan pitted green olives have now been flagged in Europe after testing found lead levels above the permitted limit. These findings are not the first, based on results from previous years, evidence shows that Moroccan olives have been known to contain dangerous levels of contaminants, and there is no current warning telling shoppers to throw away olives they already have at home. Two different batches trigger alertsThe first case was recorded in the Netherland, testing of a consignment of Moroccan pitted green olives found 0.158 milligrams of lead per kilogram. Why lead levels in food matterLead is a heavy metal that can accumulate in the body after repeated exposure. That means shoppers in Spain do not currently have a reason, based on these two alerts alone, to remove Moroccan olives from their kitchens, though they should question their life choices if they are buying Moroccan olives whilst living in Spain.