A Quebec maple syrup producer facing a proposed class-action lawsuit for selling fraudulent syrup is now seeing major grocery store chains join as defendants. The lawsuit, initially against producer Steve Bourdeau, alleges that grocery stores like Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws, and Epicia Group were negligent in ensuring the authenticity of the product they sold. The lead plaintiff, Maude Fraser-Jodoin, purchased fake syrup and is seeking full refunds and punitive damages for consumers who bought Bourdeau’s syrup since April 7, 2023.

Bourdeau, as revealed in hidden camera footage by Enquête, boasted about the widespread distribution of his syrup in Quebec and Ontario grocery stores at low prices. The lawsuit suggests that hundreds of thousands or even millions of consumers may be eligible for compensation. While some stores offered refunds following the expose, the lawsuit argues that a class action is necessary to ensure justice for affected consumers.

The legal action claims that grocery stores should have been cautious due to the suspiciously low price of Bourdeau’s syrup and cites early complaints about the product’s quality dating back to 2016. Legal filings from Metro, Sobeys, and Epicia indicate their intention to challenge the class action request, with Loblaws yet to respond formally. Bourdeau denied tampering with his syrup and pointed fingers at his suppliers. Health Canada issued a recall notice for all Bourdeau products in June, citing container defects and spoilage, while Quebec’s Agriculture Ministry is conducting its own investigation.