Aloe Association Files Complaint over Company’s Unauthorized Certification Seal Use

The International Aloe Science Council (IASC) has filed a complaint in Maryland’s U.S. District Court against product marketer Fruit of the Earth, alleging that the company continued to use IASC’s third-party certification seal on its products and marketing materials, even after IASC withdrew certification rights.

According to IASC, which represents the Aloe vera industry, it banned Fruit of the Earth from using the IASC’s certification seal in early 2011, after the company failed to provide samples for analytical testing.

“We received several inquiries from consumers who were considering purchasing or had already purchased Fruit of the Earth product(s) in national retail outlets,” stated Devon Powell, IASC’s executive director, in a press release. He said that those inquirers noticed that Fruit of the Earth was no longer listed as being certified on IASC’s website and had contacted the association for more information.

Powell also stated that IASC made several direct attempts to get Fruit of the Earth to recall the products displaying the seal, including sending several Cease & Desist letters.

“Though it’s regrettable that we have to litigate this issue, we have a responsibility to our program participants as well as consumers interested in purchasing the highest-quality Aloe vera products to ensure the sanctity of the seal remains intact,” Powell stated.