Maple syrup fraud lawsuit expands to include major Quebec grocery chains
A proposed class action against a Quebec syrup maker for selling counterfeit maple syrup now adds Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws and Epicia Group as defendants.
A class-action suit targeting Quebec maple-syrup producer Steve Bourdeau, whose cans were found to contain significant cane-sugar dilution, has been amended to include four major grocery retailers: Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws and Epicia Group, which runs Val-Mont stores. The complaint argues the chains should have exercised greater diligence before selling the product labeled as pure maple syrup. Maude Fraser-Jodoin, a consumer who purchased at least four cans, leads the case, which requests full refunds and $100 in punitive damages for every Canadian buyer since April 7, 2023.
Inspection reports cited in the filing suggest Metro was aware of quality complaints as early as 2016 and Epicia as early as 2025. Metro, Sobeys and Epicia have filed motions to oppose the class-action, while Loblaws has not filed a formal response. Health Canada later issued a recall for all of Bourdeau’s products, and Quebec’s Agriculture Ministry is conducting its own investigation.
Why it matters
Consumers may be entitled to refunds and damages if major retailers sold mislabeled syrup.
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