Canadian watchdog busts dozens of supermarkets for ‘maple washing
Canadian shoppers have been angry to find US produce labeled as originating from Canada. TimelessTravellor/Reddit
Dozens of supermarkets across Canada are under scrutiny for allegedly misleading customers by labeling U.S.-grown fruits and vegetables as Canadian — a practice critics are calling “maple washing.”
As tensions rise in a growing trade dispute, some Canadian consumers have been attempting to avoid American products. However, shoppers were surprised to find produce bearing Canadian symbols — such as red maple leaves — that were, in fact, imported from the United States.
Despite public outcry, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has not issued any fines or penalties, prompting frustration from consumers who feel deceived. In many stores, empty shelves of genuine Canadian produce stood beside heavily discounted and fully stocked American alternatives.
“So fraud is okay now?” one Reddit user asked, while another commented, “The system is rigged.” Several online commenters called for a class-action lawsuit, pointing to what they see as a lack of accountability.
One shopper questioned the plausibility of certain labeling practices, highlighting products like avocado oil — a tropical item not typically produced in Canada. They referenced a case from April involving grocery chain Sobeys, which came under fire for labeling imported avocado oil as “Made in Canada” and affixing a maple leaf to the packaging. After a four-month review, the CFIA opted not to penalize the company.
Concerns are also growing over vague or missing labeling. One shopper reported “mysterious cherries” appearing at a Sobeys store with no country-of-origin labeling. Another warned that “no labeling is the new game.”
According to the CFIA, consumer complaints regarding misleading country-of-origin labels have surged this year, with more than 70 reported in July and August alone.
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