CFIA addresses growing concerns over inaccurate or misleading "Made in Canada" claims
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) had issued a warning to stores and food manufacturers regarding false labels that suggest packaging or contents are Canadian or made in Canada.
Since the “Buy Canadian” movement began in 2025, some stores and food manufacturers have erroneously added maple leaves to signage to indicate a Canadian product or have mislabelled packaging to suggest Canadian ingredients.
In the last year, the agency has issued $47,000 in financial penalties to businesses for inaccurate or misleading country of origin claims. The following companies have been fined:
- Fortinos Etobicoke received a $10,000 penalty
- Fresh in The City Inc. received a $7,000 penalty
- Meatex Farms Ltd. received a $10,000 penalty
- Oxford Frozen Foods Inc. received a $10,000 penalty
- Real Canadian Superstore received a $10,000 penalty
The Government of Canada website indicates that “Food businesses are responsible for ensuring that all food products they sell, whether made in Canada or imported, meet Canada’s legislative requirements
The CFIA also stated that the “CFIA takes labelling issues seriously and is directly addressing the growing concern with Canadian food businesses over inaccurate and misleading origin claims.”
