A lawsuit seeking class-action status against a Quebec maple syrup producer accused of selling fake syrup has expanded to include major grocery store chains as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that the stores failed to ensure that the maple syrup they sold was authentic Quebec maple syrup.
The legal documents filed by law firm Slater Vecchio state that grocery stores were negligent in selling the fake syrup, betraying the trust of their customers. The lawsuit was initially directed at syrup producer Steve Bourdeau after it was revealed that he sold cans of syrup containing at least 50% cane sugar instead of pure maple syrup.
The lawsuit now includes grocery chains Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws, and Epicia Group as defendants. Maude Fraser-Jodoin, a Quebec consumer who bought four cans of the counterfeit syrup, is the lead plaintiff in the case.
Hidden camera footage from the Enquête program showed Bourdeau boasting about selling large quantities of syrup to various grocery stores at low prices. The proposed class action seeks full refunds and $100 in punitive damages for anyone who purchased Bourdeau’s syrup since April 7, 2023, with potentially hundreds of thousands of affected individuals eligible for compensation.
The lawsuit argues that offering refunds alone is insufficient and that the class action is necessary to ensure justice for affected consumers. The stores are accused of failing to exercise caution before selling the fake syrup due to its significantly lower price compared to genuine products.
Despite some grocery stores offering refunds post-exposure, the lawsuit demands additional compensation, including interest and punitive damages. The legal action highlights that Metro, Sobeys, and Epicia had prior knowledge of complaints regarding the quality of Bourdeau’s syrup.
While Metro, Sobeys, and Epicia plan to challenge the class action request, Loblaws is yet to respond formally. Bourdeau denied tampering with the syrup and attributed the issue to his suppliers. Health Canada issued a product recall in June due to container defects and spoilage, and Quebec’s Agriculture Ministry is conducting an investigation into Bourdeau’s operations.