Major Canadian grocery chains accused of negligence for selling diluted maple syrup
The proposed class action filed against Bourdeau in April has now been expanded to include Metro, Sobeys, Loblaw and Groupe Épicia (Val-Mont).
The argument is essentially that the grocery chains also bear some responsibility for selling the syrup as pure maple syrup. The lawsuit alleges they should have exercised more due diligence, particularly because Bourdeau's syrup was being sold at prices significantly below comparable pure maple syrup.
More importantly, the amended claim points to previous MAPAQ inspection history. It alleges that Metro had information about quality concerns involving Bourdeau syrup as far back as 2016, following a complaint and testing of syrup sold at an Adonis store, and that Épicia had similar information from 2025. The lawyers are using this to argue that the retailers should have been more vigilant rather than simply relying on the supplier.
The proposed class would include people in Canada who purchased Bourdeau syrup going back to October 2010. They are seeking refunds/compensation as well as at least $100 in punitive damages per class member.
At this point these are still allegations and the class action has not yet been authorized. Metro, Sobeys and Épicia have indicated they intend to contest it; recent reporting also says Loblaw intends to contest authorization.The amended lawsuit itself is now posted in the official Québec Class Action Registry (french): https://www.registredesactionscollectives.quebec/fr/Fichier/Document?NomFichier=17350.pdf
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