A proposed class action lawsuit over counterfeit maple syrup in Quebec is expanding beyond the business accused of producing it.
Several major grocery chains are being pulled into the case, raising broader questions about what retailers owe shoppers when labels promise something premium, CBC reported.
Here's what to know
Plaintiffs have asked to revise the proposed class-action lawsuit so Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws, and Epicia Group — the company that operates Val-Mont grocery stores in Quebec — would be named alongside Quebec syrup producer Steve Bourdeau.
Maude Fraser-Jodoin, the Quebec consumer leading the case, said she bought no fewer than four cans of the product.
The lawsuit was initially filed after Radio-Canada's Enquête alleged that Bourdeau had sold cans advertised as pure maple syrup, even though they contained "at least" 50% cane sugar.
CBC said hidden-camera footage showed Bourdeau allegedly discussing placing the cheaper syrup in stores across Quebec and Ontario.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
In that footage, he also reportedly said he sold several hundred thousand cans in one year, with some retailers charging as little as $4.99 ($3.60) per can.
More background
Court approval for the case has not yet been granted.
If it goes ahead, CBC reported, the proposed class action would seek full refunds plus $100 in punitive damages for people in Canada who bought a can of Bourdeau syrup on or after April 7, 2023.
The lawsuit argued that the product's low price should have raised red flags for retailers when compared with other maple syrups.
"The grocery stores should have exercised prudence and diligence before offering this 'pure' maple syrup for sale at a low price, given the difference in value with other products," it alleged.
The filing also cites inspection reports from Quebec's Agriculture Ministry, arguing that Metro had complaints about Bourdeau's syrup by 2016 and that Epicia knew of complaints by 2025.
What's being done?
After Enquête aired its findings, some stores reportedly offered full refunds, but the amended lawsuit says that response does not fully remedy the harm.
The plaintiffs want a national class action so buyers would not have to pursue compensation individually.
Slater Vecchio made that argument in court filings.
"Grocery stores also demonstrated serious negligence, recklessness, carelessness, or indifference, disregarding the trust of their customers, by selling the maple syrup for several years," Vecchio alleged.
If the court allows the case to proceed, the number of consumers who could qualify for compensation may reach into the hundreds of thousands or even the millions.
"The class action procedure remains the only appropriate procedure to ensure that the members of the proposed group have access to justice," the lawsuit maintained.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
