The Avocado Oil Manufacturers Association (AOMA) released a statement discussing the findings of a recent UC Davis study by professor Selina Wang that examined processed foods marketed as containing avocado oil.

The researchers reported that 48 of the 54 avocado-oil-labeled products tested were inconsistent with the authenticity criteria applied in the study. The results raise concerns about ingredient integrity, accurate labeling and consumer trust.

AOMA said the substitution, dilution or misrepresentation of avocado oil is unacceptable. Consumers should receive what labels promise, food manufacturers should be able to trust the ingredients they purchase, and responsible avocado oil producers should be protected from unfair competition.

AOMA values independent scientific research as an important contribution to the body of evidence on avocado oil authenticity. The association is engaged in cooperation with specialized scientific research centers to advance knowledge, strengthen authenticity testing and promote greater transparency in the avocado oil sector.

Why The International Standard Must Continue To Evolve

The 2024 inclusion of avocado oil in the Codex Alimentarius Standard for Named Vegetable Oils (CXS 210-1999) was an important first step. It provided an international reference for identity and composition.

Codex is a voluntary reference standard, not binding legislation, and its current parameters were established based on a still-limited dataset. That dataset does not yet reflect the full diversity of avocado varieties, origins and production methods found worldwide.

A global agricultural product standard should be based on a broad, representative body of authentic reference data and updated as scientific knowledge develops.

Natural variation associated with avocado varieties used for oil, geographical origin, climate, maturity, harvest period and processing can affect the chemical profile of an authentic oil. Peer-reviewed research has reported authentic avocado oils whose composition does not coincide with the reference ranges currently in force.

A result outside a compositional range cannot, by itself, be equated with adulteration. Effective enforcement requires methods and reference ranges capable of distinguishing deliberate substitution from legitimate natural variation. Strengthening this scientific foundation complements current research.

The experience of the olive oil sector shows that authenticity systems can take decades to develop. From the establishment of the International Olive Council in 1959 through the adoption and successive revision of Codex standards and analytical methods, progress depended on international cooperation, extensive reference data and continued scientific review.

AOMA said avocado oil requires a similar long-term approach based on scientific research. The association described the UC Davis study as a contribution to that process rather than a definitive conclusion.

More research is needed before compositional limits can be applied with confidence across the global market. AOMA is calling on producers, food manufacturers, laboratories, universities, regulators and retailers to organize a coordinated international research program. The objective is to develop a standard of identity that accounts for commercially relevant avocado varieties, origins and production methods.

Actions Being Advanced By AOMA

AOMA has been developing a global reference database program to collect fresh avocados and verified authentic avocado oil samples from producing regions worldwide. The samples represent different varieties, origins, harvest conditions and production methods.

AOMA is advancing independent multicenter analysis of the samples. They are being collected for analysis by independent, recognized scientific and technological centers.

AOMA is also working to develop a more representative standard. The association recognizes the effort behind the inclusion of avocado oil in CXS 210-1999, which provides a common reference. At the same time, university research has reported authentic avocado oils whose composition does not coincide with the current reference ranges. AOMA said evidence generated by its program will be used to expand the scientific base and support potential refinements to reference ranges, analytical methods and application of the standard.

During the last six months, AOMA has been developing an independent authenticity verification framework for avocado oil manufacturers that combines documented traceability, representative sampling and laboratory analysis.

AOMA will promote cooperation among oil producers, food manufacturers, laboratories, researchers, regulators, retailers and certification bodies.

The Industry Knowledge & Recognition Collaborative Initiative is a compilation of authoritative content intended to promote cooperation, highlight recognized voices in the industry and advance education about the avocado oil sector.

The avocado oil sector uses fruit that may not meet fresh-market specifications to produce a valuable product, reducing food loss and supporting more efficient use of the crop. AOMA said the approach also supports responsible waste management and the productive use of processing byproducts across the value chain.

Thousands of small farmers and their families worldwide depend directly or indirectly on the avocado value chain for income. By creating an additional market for fruit, the avocado oil sector can support grower incomes, increase resilience and help farming families benefit from the value generated by their crops. AOMA said it will continue working to ensure that social impact and fair participation remain part of the sector's international development.

AOMA Congress, October 2026

AOMA will present further details of its global reference-data initiative and Authenticity Verification Program at the first International Avocado Oil Congress in Seville, Spain, Oct. 29-31, 2026. The Congress will provide a forum for the sector to discuss scientific priorities, standards, responsible practices and coordinated action.

For more information about AOMA and the Congress, visit https://avocadooilmanufacturer....

A Call For Accuracy, Responsibility And Cooperation

AOMA called on industry stakeholders to communicate responsibly by neither minimizing evidence of mislabeling nor extending limited findings to the entire global industry. The association said both approaches could weaken consumer confidence and distract from efforts to improve authenticity testing.

AOMA said its objective is to build an international system that identifies fraud, protects consumers, recognizes responsible producers and supports the long-term credibility of the avocado oil industry.

Source: Avocado Oil Manufacturers Association, LinkedIn Post