A lawsuit seeking class-action status against a Quebec maple syrup producer accused of selling counterfeit syrup has expanded to include major grocery chains as defendants. The legal documents allege that the grocery stores failed to ensure the authenticity of the product they were selling, displaying negligence and indifference towards their customers. Initially targeted at producer Steve Bourdeau, the lawsuit now includes Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws, and Epicia Group as defendants.
The lead plaintiff, Maude Fraser-Jodoin, a Quebec consumer who bought the deceptive syrup, is seeking full refunds and $100 in punitive damages for all Canadian purchasers of Bourdeau’s syrup since April 7, 2023. The lawsuit suggests that hundreds of thousands, or potentially millions, of individuals could be eligible for compensation, pending court approval.
The lawsuit contends that grocery stores should have been aware that the syrup was fake due to its unusually low price. Despite some stores offering refunds following the public exposure of the scam, the lawsuit argues that a class-action lawsuit is necessary to ensure justice and proper compensation for affected consumers. Grocery chains Metro, Sobeys, and Epicia have indicated their intent to challenge the class-action request, while Loblaws has yet to respond formally.
Bourdeau, the producer in question, denied tampering with the syrup and attributed the issue to his suppliers. Health Canada issued a recall notice for Bourdeau’s products in June, citing container defects and spoilage. The Quebec Agriculture Ministry is also conducting an investigation into Bourdeau’s operations.