Avocado oil has surged in popularity in recent years, praised for its heart-healthy properties and mild flavor. However, recent scientific analysis reveals that much of the avocado oil available in stores is adulterated, misleading consumers who believe they are purchasing pure avocado oil.

Rampant Adulteration in Avocado Oil

UC-Davis Study Reveals Grim Findings

Scientists at the University of California at Davis conducted comprehensive tests on avocado oil samples and identified alarming levels of adulteration and mislabeling. The study revealed that 21 out of 36 bottles tested—approximately two-thirds—were found to be adulterated with cheaper seed and vegetable oils, and sometimes oils that could pose risks to individuals with food sensitivities.

Retailers Involved in Selling Adulterated Products

The study pointed fingers at some of the largest retail chains in the U.S. and Canada, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kroger, and Safeway. These retailers did not respond to requests for comments, while others dispute the findings or cite supply chain complexities.

How Cheap Avocado Oil is Made

Unrefined vs. Refined Avocado Oil

The quality of avocado oil varies widely depending on the type of processing:

• Unrefined Oils: These are typically labeled as virgin or extra virgin. They are minimally processed, preserving more nutrients and a green tint.

• Refined Oils: Highly processed using methods like bleaching and deodorizing, these oils are less nutrient-dense and neutral in flavor.

  
  

The Risks of Misleading Labels

Adulterated oils not only deceive consumers but also pose health risks, particularly for those with food sensitivities. More concerning is the use of cheaper oils like sunflower, safflower, and canola by unscrupulous suppliers looking to profit.

Suppliers Selling Fake Avocado Oil

According to industry experts, the pervasive adulteration isn't a secret. Ben Barnard, founder and chairman of AvoPacific, a leading avocado oil producer, noted that prices offered by some competitors are suspiciously low, indicating potential adulteration to cut costs.

The Adulterated Avocado Oil Brands

In response to calls for transparency, UC-Davis disclosed the brands that failed their tests. Retailers implicated include Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Metro, Meijer, and Kroger. The most frequent adulterants identified were sunflower, safflower, canola, and soybean oils.

Examples of Adulterated Products

Among the worst offenders was Stop & Shop’s store-brand “extra-virgin” avocado oil, which despite its high price, was found to contain oils that were not even avocado oil.

Retailers’ Reactions to Study Findings

Most retailers, such as Trader Joe’s and Metro, insist their products meet quality standards based on certifications from suppliers and third-party labs. However, these guarantees are often based on outdated or incomplete testing and do not account for the findings from the recent UC-Davis study.

Statements from Retailers

Retailers provided mixed responses:

• Stop & Shop: Claimed they no longer used the implicated supplier and have switched to routine testing.

• Trader Joe’s: Stated reliance on industry-standard testing but did not retest old batches.

• Metro: Asserted compliance based on tests from their own records and recent government inspections.

  
  

The Need for Better Oversight and Independent Testing

Selina Wang, the UC-Davis scientist leading the research, emphasized that retailers should not rely solely on supplier certifications, advocating for routine independent testing to validate product integrity. This measure would be a significant step toward ensuring consumers get what they believe they are buying.

The rampant adulteration of avocado oil is an issue that needs industry-wide attention and stricter regulatory oversight. Consumers deserve transparency and accuracy in food labeling, and it’s imperative that both retailers and suppliers work together to ensure the products on store shelves meet the quality promised on their labels.