The North American Olive Oil Association has sued television talk show host Mehmet Oz for allegedly defaming the "quality and integrity" of olive oil sold in U.S. supermarkets.

The lawsuit stems from a May 12 episode of The Dr. Oz Show in which Oz and a guest claimed 80 percent of extra virgin olive oil sold in the U.S. is not real. The host said that most of the oils had been adulterated with less expensive oils and artificial coloring, according to the association.

NAOOA said that, in reality, the independent International Olive Council annually tests hundreds of olive oils collected from supermarkets to determine their authenticity. The council's results show that 98 percent of oils tested are the real deal.

"This case is particularly troubling because in many previous controversies Dr. Oz has recommended products with no proven benefits, but in this case his false and careless words have discouraged millions of people from using a product with scientifically demonstrated advantages," NAOOA Executive Vice President Eyrn Balch said. http://bit.ly/2fR989o

Oz has come under fire in the past by scientists and Congress for promoting dietary supplements and other products with no real scientific evidence to back up the health claims made by their manufacturers. Attorneys for the talk show host did not immediately respond to media requests for comment.

The lawsuit was filed in Fulton County Superior Court in Georgia. The state's food libel laws are generally weaker than traditional libel laws found in most other states, Reuters news agency reported. http://fxn.ws/2gG6F2K

MORE CEO DATELINE

• United Fresh expands trade show, launches new event
• Former association CEO named to Trump transition team
• Scientific societies will require unique IDs for authors
• Wireless groups oppose new distracted driver guidelines
• Two turkeys live to see another Thanksgiving