A Quebec maple syrup producer facing a proposed class-action lawsuit for selling counterfeit syrup is now facing legal action that includes major grocery store chains as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that these grocery stores were negligent in ensuring the authenticity of the maple syrup they sold to consumers. The legal documents filed by Slater Vecchio law firm accused the grocery stores of disregarding their customers’ trust by selling the fake syrup for several years.
Initially directed at syrup producer Steve Bourdeau, the lawsuit expanded to include grocery store chains Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws, and Epicia Group. These chains, along with Val-Mont grocery stores in Quebec, are now implicated in the case. The lead plaintiff, Maude Fraser-Jodoin, a consumer from Quebec, purchased multiple cans of the misrepresented syrup.
Bourdeau was exposed by hidden camera footage from Radio-Canada’s Enquête program, where he admitted to selling large quantities of syrup to various grocery stores in Quebec and Ontario at a remarkably low price. The lawsuit seeks full refunds and $100 in punitive damages for all consumers in Canada who purchased Bourdeau’s syrup since April 7, 2023, potentially involving hundreds of thousands of affected individuals.
Although some grocery stores offered refunds following the investigative report, the lawsuit insists that a class-action approach is necessary to ensure proper justice and compensation for consumers. It argues for interest payments and additional punitive damages for affected individuals. The lawsuit claims that the grocery stores should have been cautious in selling the syrup at a significantly lower price compared to authentic products.
The legal action cites inspection reports from Quebec’s Agriculture Ministry, indicating that Metro, Sobeys, and Epicia were aware of quality complaints regarding Bourdeau’s syrup as far back as 2016 and 2025, respectively. While some of the grocery store chains have expressed intentions to contest the lawsuit, others are yet to respond formally. Bourdeau denied altering his 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 also investigating the producer’s operations.
