Canadian grocers named in class action over falsified maple syrup

Major Canadian grocery chains Metro, Sobeys, and Loblaw, along with Groupe Epicia, have been named in a proposed class action lawsuit regarding the sale of falsified maple syrup. The legal action follows an investigation by Radio-Canada’s Enquête, which found that syrup produced by 9227-8712 Quebec Inc. (operated by Steve Bourdeau) was labeled as pure but contained at least 50 per cent cane sugar.

The lawsuit, filed in Quebec Superior Court, alleges that the retailers demonstrated “negligence, recklessness, carelessness, or serious indifference” by selling the product. The plaintiffs argue that the low price points of the syrup should have prompted the grocers to verify its authenticity.

The proposed class action covers consumers across Canada who purchased Bourdeau’s syrup since October 5, 2010. If authorized by a judge, the suit seeks a refund of the purchase price, unspecified compensatory damages, and $100 in punitive damages per person. Metro, Sobeys, and Groupe Epicia have indicated they intend to contest the claim, while Loblaw has not yet communicated its position.