Aztec Oils has been forced to amend the information it distributes to the public about its Agri Plant MS Ultra oil, following a case brought by the Verification of Lubrication Specifications (VLS).

VLS – an independent organisation providing a credible means to verify lubricant specifications – received a complaint in May 2018 concerning the 15W/40 heavy duty diesel engine oil Agri Plant MS Ultra, which is suitable for use in road haulage, agricultural and off-highway engines.

The complaint concerned the use of outdated 2008 engine oil sequences specified by the European Association of OEMs (ACEA) and the application of year date markers on the product data sheet, on the website and the product label claiming E9-08 which is not permissible.

VLS’s technical review panel upheld this complaint as the ACEA European engine oil sequences permit claims made against the 2008 sequences until December 22, 2012, only. In addition, the use of 'ACEA years' in marketing material is intended for trade use only and not allowed in relation to the general public.

Once contacted with the case findings, Aztec Oils immediately took action to make the appropriate alterations to correct the error and ensure it was not repeated in any other product information. 

The technical review panel reviewed its actions and was content that these brought the product back into compliance.

David Wright, company secretary of VLS and director general of UK Lubricants Association, said: “Aztec Oils quickly responded to correct their mistakes and ensure misleading information was removed from the public domain as soon as possible.

"It is a vital part of VLS’s work to ensure that customers are provided with the correct, most up-to-date information so that they be confident the oil they are buying is fit for purpose.”