A Quebec maple syrup producer facing a proposed class-action lawsuit for selling counterfeit syrup is now being joined by major grocery store chains as defendants. The lawsuit claims that these grocery stores failed to take adequate measures to ensure that the syrup they sold was authentic Quebec maple syrup.
The legal documents filed by law firm Slater Vecchio accuse grocery stores of negligence and recklessness in selling the fake syrup for several years, betraying the trust of their customers. Initially directed at syrup producer Steve Bourdeau, the lawsuit was expanded this month to include grocery chains Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws, and Epicia Group.
The lead plaintiff, Maude Fraser-Jodoin, a Quebec consumer, bought at least four cans of the counterfeit syrup. Bourdeau was caught on hidden camera footage boasting about selling his products at low prices in numerous grocery stores across Quebec and Ontario, including major chains.
The proposed class action seeks full refunds and $100 in punitive damages for anyone in Canada who purchased Bourdeau’s syrup since April 7, 2023. The lawsuit estimates that hundreds of thousands or even millions of individuals could be eligible for compensation, pending court approval.
While many grocery stores offered refunds after the expose, the lawsuit argues that this is insufficient. It asserts that the class action is necessary to ensure justice for consumers, seeking additional compensation with interest and punitive damages. The lawsuit claims that the grocery stores should have been cautious in selling the syrup at low prices and cites inspection reports indicating early awareness of quality complaints.
Metro, Sobeys, and Epicia have contested the class action request, while Loblaws is yet to respond formally. Bourdeau denied altering his syrup, attributing the issue to his suppliers. Health Canada issued a recall notice for Bourdeau’s products in June due to container defects and spoilage, with Quebec’s Agriculture Ministry also conducting an investigation into his operations.