A Quebec maple syrup producer facing a proposed class-action lawsuit over the sale of counterfeit syrup is now being joined by major grocery store chains as additional defendants. The lawsuit alleges grocery stores failed to ensure the authenticity of the product they sold, which was labeled as pure Quebec maple syrup but contained at least 50% cane sugar.
The legal action, initially directed at syrup producer Steve Bourdeau, was expanded to include Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws, and Epicia Group, the operator of Val-Mont grocery stores in Quebec. Maude Fraser-Jodoin, a Quebec consumer who bought the fraudulent syrup, is the lead plaintiff in the case.
Bourdeau was filmed by hidden cameras boasting about selling his syrup at a low price in numerous Quebec and Ontario grocery stores, including major chains. The lawsuit seeks full refunds and $100 in punitive damages for anyone in Canada who purchased Bourdeau’s syrup since April 7, 2023, potentially encompassing hundreds of thousands or even millions of consumers.
While some stores offered refunds following the expose, the lawsuit argues that this is insufficient, pushing for compensation with interest and additional punitive damages. It claims that grocery stores should have been cautious due to the suspiciously low price of Bourdeau’s syrup.
The legal documents cite inspection reports from Quebec’s Agriculture Ministry, indicating that Metro, Sobeys, and Epicia were aware of quality complaints about Bourdeau’s syrup as far back as 2016. While Metro, Sobeys, and Epicia have contested the class action request, Loblaws has not yet responded formally.
Bourdeau denied tampering with the syrup and attributed the issue to his suppliers. Health Canada issued a recall notice for all of Bourdeau’s products in June due to container defects and spoilage, with the Quebec Agriculture Ministry launching an investigation into Bourdeau’s operations.
