Home / Crime and Justice / Fake Maple Syrup Scandal Grips Quebec
Fake Maple Syrup Scandal Grips Quebec
10 Apr
Summary
- Producer sold syrup as pure, lab tests showed 50% cane sugar.
- Hidden labels found on cans, concealing falsified product.
- Quebec minister calls fake syrup 'unacceptable' and 'outrageous'.
A growing scandal surrounding falsified maple syrup in Quebec has been exacerbated by the discovery of cans bearing hidden labels. Consumers found stickers concealing the name of producer Steve Bourdeau, whose company, 9227-8712 Québec inc., was previously identified as selling adulterated syrup. Lab tests conducted for an investigative program revealed that five cans of Bourdeau's syrup, labeled as pure, contained 50% cane sugar.
Bourdeau suggested the compromised cans might have originated from an out-of-province supplier. Products from his company were reportedly sold in major chains like IGA and Metro in Quebec, and Farm Boy in Ontario. Several stores have since removed Bourdeau's syrup and are offering refunds to customers.
The Quebec Agriculture Minister, Donald Martel, expressed outrage, stating that selling fake maple syrup is unacceptable and an affront to Quebec's heritage. Investigations are ongoing, with the Quebec Federation of Maple Syrup Producers filing complaints with national and provincial agencies. A class-action lawsuit has also been initiated, seeking damages for consumers and aiming to deter future misconduct.
