Walmart class action alleges Great Value avocado oil ‘adulterated,’ ‘impure’

Walmart Great Value avocado oil class action overview: 

• Who: A California woman, plaintiff Evie Golikov, is suing Walmart.
• Why: Golikov claims the company sells an avocado oil that is mixed with other, inferior oils.
• Where: The Walmart Great Value avocado oil class action was filed in a California federal court.

Walmart is facing a new class action lawsuit from consumers who accuse it of selling impure avocado oil under the “Great Value” brand.

Plaintiff Evie Golikov filed the class action complaint against Walmart Inc. on Sept. 24 in a California federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws. 

According to the lawsuit, Walmart markets and sells avocado oil under its “Great Value” brand with labels prominently claiming it contains only avocado oil. The bottle features images of avocados and lists “avocado oil” as the sole ingredient.

However, the lawsuit alleges that recent tests show Walmart’s product to be far from pure.

As cooking oils continue to diversify on supermarket shelves, avocado oil has emerged as a favorite among health-conscious consumers, Golikov says.

Known for its rich nutrients — like oleic acid, polyunsaturated fats and antioxidants — avocado oil is linked to improved heart, skin, and eye health, she adds.

As a result, consumers have grown willing to pay a premium for the oil’s numerous benefits, with avocado oil often priced up to four times higher than its competitor, canola oil. However, this high demand and price tag have led to some producers, such as Walmart, cutting corners, Golikov alleges. 

Walmart dilutes avocado oil products, class action claims

Golikov claims Walmart has been selling adulterated avocado oil under its “Great Value” brand in order to charge a premium to consumers and boost its bottom line. 

Golikov, who purchased a bottle of the oil from a Walmart in California, alleges that the avocado oil product is mixed with cheaper oils, contrary to the product’s labeling. She said consumers like her believe they are buying pure avocado oil, only to discover they’ve been sold an inferior, adulterated product.

Avocado oil is expensive, and consumers pay more for it expecting health benefits, the lawsuit states. 

When manufacturers like Walmart allegedly dilute their products with cheaper oils, customers are being cheated, Golikov states.

As a result, Golikov is suing on behalf of anyone in the United States who bought Walmart’s Great Value Avocado Oil. She is suing for violations of California consumer law and negligent misrepresentation and is seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.

Meanwhile, a new Walmart class action lawsuit alleges some of the company’s Great Value brand apple juice products contain high levels of arsenic. 

What do you think of the allegations in this Walmart avocado oil class action lawsuit?

The plaintiff is represented by Christin Cho of Dover & Luner LLP.

The Walmart avocado oil class action lawsuit is Edie Golikov v. Walmart Inc., Case No. 2:24-cv-08211 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. 

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