Whereas Michigan had enough evidence to order Bullseye and City Star off the Shelves... what more do other states need to do the same?
As PQIA has been reporting for several years now, there are numerous brands of automotive oils on retail shelves across the USA that are of such poor quality that they can actually cause damage to modern engines and transmissions. PQIA's surveillance has found over a dozen brands of such oils lurking on retail shelves in many states, including Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Florida. In fact, the Petroleum Quality Institute of America made a tour through Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania last week and observed a number of convenience stores selling Bullseye motor oil, a brand Michigan has ordered off the shelves.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. In many cases the oils are sold in independent gas station convenience stores operating under the banner of major oil company fuel brands, potentially leading consumers to associate the oil brands with the reputable brand of the fuel. In addition, the products also appear to be targeted in lower income areas where they are sold to unsuspecting consumers for a small discount over major brands.
Several states have instituted programs to randomly sample and test oils sold within their state to assure quality, most notably Michigan, North Carolina, California, and Missouri. In addition to packaged oils on retail shelves, state inspectors also sample and test bulk oil tanks at distributors and fast lube outlets. When off-grade oils are found, these states take action.
PQIA applauds the efforts of these states, but we must ask - whereas Michigan has collected enough evidence to order a brand off the shelves, what more do other states need to order those same brands off the shelves in their state?
Think about it, while Bullseye has been order off the shelves in North Carolina and Michigan, PQIA continues to find this brand on the shelves in Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York. In addition, we are told it is available in other states as well.
Oil quality is a serious issue. The automobile is essential to every working citizen and is usually the second most expensive possession they own after their house. And every car depends on quality oils to operate. Some of the oils that PQIA tested are so bad that they will destroy an engine in short order, and there is often no way for innocent consumer to know which oils are good or bad by just reading the labels. Consumers need help from their elected leaders to find and remove the damaging oils from shelves and tanks, and state governments have an obligation to provide this basic protection.
The four states mentioned above have substantial data on the oil brands they have tested, and are willing to share details on their programs and experiences with other states. PQIA is also willing to help by providing test result interpretations and claim assessments. All that is needed for the other 46 states is for them to step up to the plate and fight back against the unscrupulous marketers that are preying on their citizens.
Let's hear from you - contact us at 732-910-0017and let's get working together now.
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