A Quebec maple syrup producer facing a class-action lawsuit for selling counterfeit syrup is now facing legal action that includes multiple major grocery store chains as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that the grocery stores should have taken more responsibility in ensuring the authenticity of the product they sold, which was falsely labeled as pure maple syrup from Quebec.
The initial lawsuit was directed at the syrup producer, Steve Bourdeau, after it was revealed that he had distributed cans of syrup to grocery stores that were diluted with at least 50% cane sugar, despite being labeled as pure maple syrup. The amended lawsuit now includes Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws, and Epicia Group, which operates Val-Mont grocery stores in Quebec, as additional defendants.
The lead plaintiff, Maude Fraser-Jodoin, a Quebec consumer who purchased the counterfeit syrup, is seeking full refunds and $100 in punitive damages for anyone in Canada who bought Bourdeau’s syrup since April 7, 2023. The lawsuit suggests that potentially hundreds of thousands or even millions of individuals could be eligible for compensation, pending court approval.
The lawsuit claims that the grocery stores should have been aware of the fraudulent syrup due to its low price and should have exercised caution before offering it for sale. It also mentions that Metro, Sobeys, and Epicia were informed of complaints regarding the quality of Bourdeau’s syrup in previous years.
While some grocery stores offered refunds following the expose, the lawsuit argues that a class action is necessary to ensure justice for consumers, demanding interest on refunds and additional punitive damages. The legal battle continues as some grocery chains have expressed intentions to challenge the class-action request.
Bourdeau, the syrup producer, denied tampering with his product and attributed the issue to his suppliers. Health Canada issued a recall notice in June due to container defects and spoilage in Bourdeau’s products, prompting an investigation by Quebec’s Agriculture Ministry.