Home / Crime and Justice / Fake Maple Syrup Lawsuit Expands to Major Grocers
Fake Maple Syrup Lawsuit Expands to Major Grocers
20 Aug
Summary
- Lawsuit alleges grocery stores sold fake syrup despite warnings.
- Several major chains added as defendants to a class-action suit.
- Consumers seek refunds and punitive damages for bogus syrup.
A proposed class-action lawsuit originally filed against Quebec producer Steve Bourdeau for selling fake maple syrup has been expanded to include major grocery store chains. Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws, and Epicia Group are now defendants, accused of negligence for selling syrup allegedly mixed with at least 50 per cent cane sugar, despite being labeled as pure.
The lawsuit claims these grocery stores knew or should have known about the fraudulent product due to its low price. Reports suggest Metro and Epicia were aware of quality complaints as early as 2016 and 2025, respectively. Consumers are seeking full refunds and $100 in punitive damages for purchases made since April 7, 2023.
Health Canada issued a recall for Bourdeau's products in June due to container defects and spoilage. Quebec's Agriculture Ministry is also investigating the producer. The grocery chains involved have stated their intention to contest the class-action request, while Loblaws has not yet formally responded.
