One year after the emergence of the “Buy Canadian” movement across the nation, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is taking action against grocery stores found promoting imported goods as Canadian products.
Within this year, the federal food regulator has imposed fines on two Loblaw-owned grocery stores for breaching these regulations. Additionally, CBC News has uncovered an ongoing investigation by the CFIA into Canadian labelling and advertising practices at Sobeys’ corporate office.
Expressing the desire to support Canadian businesses and products, the agency stated, “Canadians have been clear that they want to support Canadian businesses and buy Canadian products.” The CFIA emphasized its commitment to safeguarding Canadians from misleading claims.
Following the initiation of the Buy Canadian movement in February 2025 amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tensions, many grocery retailers have seized the opportunity to showcase domestic products by incorporating patriotic symbols and signage.
Last September, CBC News reported that in 2025, the CFIA identified 27 violations involving misleading country-of-origin claims made by various grocers, predominantly national chains. Despite these findings, no fines had been issued at that time, causing dissatisfaction among consumers.
However, the CFIA’s enforcement approach has now shifted.
The CFIA informed CBC that it fined a Loblaw-owned Fortinos store in Toronto $10,000 for falsely representing a foreign-produced food item.
According to the CFIA, the Fortinos branch on Queens Plate Drive in Toronto exhibited Président-brand Rondelé specialty cheese spread with an 11-point maple leaf symbol on the shelf tag, although the cheese is manufactured in France.
“The product display created an impression that the product was made in Canada,” stated the CFIA.
Regulations stipulate that food labels and in-store signage must be precise and non-deceptive.
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