Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an industry-wide investigation into companies that market and sell products that are labeled as “made with avocado oil.” This follows reports that these products may contain undisclosed seed oils or other ingredients that are not identified on their ingredient labels.
A 2026 UC Davis study tested various products that were labeled as using avocado oil as the sole oil ingredient. The study overwhelmingly found that 93% of chip samples, 71% of mayonnaise samples, and 100% of dressing samples tested contained seed oils despite failure to disclose them in the products’ ingredient lists or elsewhere on the packaging.
Avocado oil has become increasingly popular in kitchens and food products nationwide as consumers seek healthier options and alternatives to seed oils. Companies often market products such as chips, condiments, and dressings as being “made with avocado oil,” leading consumers to pay a premium with the expectation that they are purchasing products made with the ingredients advertised on the label. Recent findings, however, raise concerns that some products may contain undisclosed oils that consumers specifically sought to avoid.
“Consumers should not have to worry if they are being deceived by labels when trying to choose healthier options at the grocery store,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I will not allow companies to fraudulently mislabel products. My office will hold accountable any company that violates the law and misleads Texans about what is actually in their food.”
As part of the investigation, Civil Investigative Demands (“CIDs”) have been issued to Primal Kitchen, Siete Foods, Chosen Foods with more to follow. The Office of the Attorney General will investigate to determine if these and additional companies have broken Texas law by misleading consumers in violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (“DTPA”).
As part of fair and balanced journalism, corporations named in Attorney General Ken Paxton’s investigation, should be afforded the opportunity to respond to the allegations and provide their perspective. While the Attorney General’s office has announced a sweeping investigation and issued Civil Investigative Demands, the investigation remains ongoing, and no findings of wrongdoing have been made. Fair reporting requires that all parties have an opportunity to address the claims, explain their practices, and comment on the issues raised by the investigation. Send perspective to: info@tbbmega.com
