Loblaw Companies Ltd. has been fined $10,000 after selling broccoli slaw that was labeled as a Canadian product, despite being imported from the United States.
Details of the Violation
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued the fine following an inspection at a Real Canadian Superstore location in Winnipeg. According to the CFIA, the store was found to be selling Mann’s brand broccoli slaw with signage indicating it was a product of Canada, even though the packaging stated it was a product of the U.S.A.
The infraction was discovered during a routine inspection conducted in September 2022. The CFIA stated that the misrepresentation violated the Safe Food for Canadians Act, which prohibits false or misleading claims about the origin of food products.
CFIA Statement and Enforcement
In a statement, the CFIA said, “The company was fined $10,000 for advertising imported food as a product of Canada.” The agency emphasized that accurate labeling is required to ensure consumers are not misled about the source of their food.
The CFIA noted that the fine was issued as part of its ongoing efforts to enforce food labeling regulations. The agency regularly inspects food retailers to verify compliance with Canadian laws.
Loblaw’s Response
Loblaw Companies Ltd. acknowledged the incident and stated that it has taken steps to address the issue. In a written statement, the company said, “We take compliance with all regulations seriously and have worked to ensure our signage accurately reflects product origins.”
Background on Food Labeling Regulations
Canadian regulations require that food products sold in stores accurately indicate their country of origin. The Safe Food for Canadians Act prohibits false or misleading representations regarding where a product is grown, produced, or manufactured.
Retailers found in violation of these rules can face monetary penalties and other enforcement actions. The CFIA encourages consumers to report suspected cases of mislabeling.
For More Information
Further details about the incident and the CFIA’s enforcement actions can be found at the following link: Read more.
Other Articles
Rental Escapes Launches Accessible Villas Collection
