CFIA fines major grocery retailers over misleading “Canadian” food labels

Canada’s food inspection agency has begun enforcement action against major grocery chains and food companies accused of mislabeling imported products as Canadian, according to a federal regulator.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said the action targets businesses that promoted foreign food items as “Canadian,” which the agency says misleads consumers about product origin. The enforcement push follows one year since the federal government launched its “Buy Canadian” campaign.

According to the agency, Loblaw-owned Real Canadian Superstore and Fortinos locations in Ontario were fined $10,000 for incidents reported in October 2025. The stores were found to have advertised imported food products as Canadian.

The agency said an investigation is also underway involving Sobeys in connection with similar allegations. It added that five food businesses have so far been fined for incorrect labeling and advertising practices.

Under the Safe Food for Canadians Act, companies are prohibited from making false or misleading claims about the origin of food products. The CFIA said the penalties are part of ongoing compliance and enforcement efforts under the legislation.

In a separate case, the agency confirmed that Meatex Farms Ltd. was fined $10,000 for labeling imported ghee as a Canadian product.