Jennifer Holton, Agriculture and Rural Development
On September 12, 2013, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) issued Stop-Use and Stop-Removal Orders for motor oil and transmission fluid manufactured, packaged, and/or distributed by City Petroleum (dba City Star) of Dearborn and Star Petroleum of Detroit after finding the products did not comply with the Michigan Weights and Measures Act, 1964 Public Act 283.
The Stop-Use and Stop-Removal Orders prohibit the sale, offering for sale, or use of motor oils or transmission fluids manufactured, packaged, and/or distributed by City Petroleum (dba City Star) and/or Star Petroleum. These products should no longer be used, immediately be removed from store shelves or other product displays, and no longer be offered for sale. These products may cause damage to vehicle engines.
As part of an 11 month investigation, MDARD discovered that the motor oil and transmission fluids being sold by these companies do not contain the amount of product claimed. Additionally, the motor oil does not meet the viscosity labeled on the containers. For example, a container may say the product is an “SAE 5W30” motor oil, but does not meet that viscosity or other specifications for a motor oil.
“These two companies are selling sub-standard product and the Stop-Use and Stop-Removal Orders ensure Michigan consumers and business alike are getting what they pay for and protecting their vehicles,” said Jamie Clover Adams, MDARD Director. “When products don’t meet viscosity levels it can cause lasting damage to vehicles. So, it’s vital that consumers and business stop using or selling these products immediately.”
The Stop-Use and Stop-Removal orders mean no City Petroleum or Star Petroleum motor oil or transmission fluid may be sold or used in the State of Michigan. The products may be properly disposed of in accordance with local ordinances, taken to a facility that recycles oil, or consumers may contact the company directly. Information regarding the proper disposal of these products can be found here.
The City Petroleum and Star Petroleum products were primarily sold at small independent gas stations, discount and party stores. It is possible they were also sold in some oil change facilities across the state. Consumers can visit the MDARD website and look under the “Hot News” section for photos of the product labels as well as information on what to look for when buying motor oil.
