In Canada, the iconic maple leaf symbol is a common sight on various products, but its presence doesn’t always guarantee that the item is truly Canadian-made.
The deceptive practice known as “maple washing” has been on the rise, where companies use symbols or marketing tactics to inaccurately portray their products as being of Canadian origin.
For consumers wanting to support local goods, relying solely on labels to make informed purchasing decisions can be misleading and complex.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, a professor specializing in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University, explains, “There are varying degrees of authenticity when it comes to Canadian products.”
An illustrative case is found with Nutworks’ walnut pouch, featuring a Canadian symbol. While the packaging is manufactured in Canada, the walnuts themselves are sourced from the U.S.A.
Although the Canadian Food Inspection Agency oversees food labeling regulations, there is no official logo for “Made in Canada” products.
The CFIA emphasizes its commitment to addressing mislabeling issues and taking enforcement actions against any violations, as confirmed in a statement to CityNews.
Consumers are advised to scrutinize products claiming to be “Made in Canada” by looking for detailed information to ascertain their true origins.
Charlebois stresses the importance of regulated labels over mere symbols like maple leaves, stating, “It’s the labels that truly matter, not the decorative symbols. Extra flags or maple leaves next to the price are just embellishments.”
If you suspect a product is falsely labeled, you can lodge a complaint on inspection.canada.ca.