National Advertising Division Recommends Lily of the Desert Nutraceuticals Discontinue “100% Pure Avocado Oil” Claim for Tropical Plantation Avocado Oil

Apr 15, 2024 11:00 AM ET

New York, NY – April 15, 2024 – In a challenge brought by Chosen Foods, LLC, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended that Lily of the Desert Nutraceuticals, Inc., discontinue the claim “100% Pure Avocado Oil” for its Tropical Plantation Avocado Oil and avoid conveying the unsupported message that the product is 100% pure avocado oil.

In its decision, the National Advertising Division (NAD) recognized the impact “100%” claims have on consumers, conveying a message of completeness and certainty that vaguer language may not. NAD noted that the label art on Tropical Plantation brand Avocado Oil showcases pristine avocados and avocado oil, reinforcing the message that the product contains a single ingredient. Likewise, NAD noted the back of the bottle claims that the product is “100% Pure Avocado Oil,” “made from Hass Avocados.” 

NAD determined that Lily’s evidence does not individually, or collectively, provide support for the claim that Tropical Plantation is “100% Pure” avocado oil. While Lily’s testing indicates that the oil used meets internal specifications and standards, the authenticity and purity of the source oil remains undetermined.

NAD also determined that the challenged advertising reasonably conveys the implied messages that:

  • Lily’s avocado oil is made exclusively from avocado oil;
  • Lily’s avocado oil does not contain non-avocado oils, including but not limited to sunflower oil, safflower oil, and soybean oil; and
  • Lily’s avocado oil has the chemical properties of other, unadulterated avocado oils.

Therefore, NAD concluded that Lily did not provide a reasonable basis of support for the challenged “100% Pure Avocado Oil” claim and recommended that it be discontinued and that Lily avoid conveying the unsupported message that the product is 100% pure avocado oil.

In its advertiser statement, Lily stated that it will comply with NAD’s recommendations.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

 

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

 

Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org