The problem of adulterated oils extends beyond olive oil. UC Davis recently completed a study that found 82% of commercially sold avocado oil was adulterated, mislabeled, or poor quality. Every oil sampled had at least some adulteration. The researchers were stunned at the high number of poor quality oils being sold as avocado oil. Three oils were almost 100% soybean oil. One of the reasons for those poor results is that no official standards or regulations exist for avocado oil. That’s why we are grateful to have the California Olive Oil Council certify our Apollo oils, and why it is important when purchasing olive oil, to look for the COOC seal.

The producers of real avocado oil have the same problem as producers of real extra virgin olive oil – It isn’t possible to compete with large companies that can manipulate their oils. The problem is larger in the US where quality, origin, and being true to label is not valued as much as it is in Europe. The producers of real avocado oil are now working to establish international standards like those that exist for extra virgin olive oil that insure consumers actually receive what is on the label.