As tensions between Canada and the US continue to rise, Canadian shoppers are taking a stand by boycotting American products. However, it seems that some retailers are attempting to sneakily sell off their US-made inventory by mislabeling products as “product of Canada.”
Complaints to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have surged in February as more and more consumers are noticing discrepancies in country of origin claims on food products. With President Trump imposing tariffs on Canadian goods and threatening further action, many Canadians are choosing to avoid US products altogether.
One shopper in Toronto discovered that carrots from the US were being falsely labeled as “product of Canada” in a local FreshCo store. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the carrots were indeed from the US, leading to frustration and anger among consumers.
Similar instances of mislabeling have been reported across the country, with items such as citrus, leafy greens, and various fruits and vegetables being affected. Some shoppers have taken matters into their own hands by correcting signage with a sharpie or speaking out against the deceptive practices.
While some attribute the mislabeling to overworked employees dealing with inventory changes, others believe it is a deliberate attempt by stores to offload US stock onto unsuspecting consumers. Metro and Sobey’s, two major Canadian grocery chains, have responded to the accusations by admitting to labeling errors and promising to correct the issue.
As the trade war intensifies, President Trump has announced that tariffs will be implemented on March 4, citing concerns about illegal drug trafficking across the border. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is currently reviewing the complaints regarding mislabeled products to ensure transparency and accuracy in labeling.
It is clear that Canadian shoppers are not willing to compromise on their values and are holding retailers accountable for their actions. The importance of accurate labeling and transparency in food products cannot be understated, especially during times of heightened political tension.
