Homegrown products are getting a spotlight in grocery stores across Canada amid a trade war with the U.S., but shoppers are beginning to notice a growing number of errors in labelling.
One Walmart shopper described the superstore as “cheating,” after posting an image on social media of a correction letter atop rows of Planters Mixed Nuts, where the notice admitted to incorrectly labelling the product as “Made in Canada.”
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A similar situation occurred to a user on Reddit, where the Walmart correction notice was posted on the IAMS cat food shelf.
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“We apologize for any inconvenience,” both letters in the photos read.
While the Reddit user said they were glad the mistake was corrected, other Canadians expressed mixed feelings.
“Was it incompetence or just a lie they got caught in?,” one Reddit user questioned.
“Accountability goes a long way,” another user said.
“Good for Walmart for correcting! Mistakes happen I’m sure it was just an error,” another user wrote on the platform.
WALMART SAYS MISTAKES “CAN HAPPEN” WHEN PRINTING SIGNAGE
Walmart says that the corporation is always looking for more ways to highlight local products through in-store signage, badges on its websites, as well as in flyer call-outs. However, it disclosed that mistakes occasionally occur and assures that those are corrected once discovered.
“For years, we’ve proudly showcased a variety of local products in our stores. We’re continuing to add more Canadian products and ways to make it easier for our customers to find the products they’re looking for,” A Walmart spokesperson told Now Toronto on Wednesday.
“While we do our best to ensure all details in the flyer are correct, errors or misprints can happen from time to time. As soon as we become aware, we provide a correction notice so customers are properly informed.”
Some patrons have also pointed out some misleading signage at other grocery stores.
One Redditor posted a screenshot of a frustrated social media user who was upset to see a “Prepared in Canada” display above General Mills cereals at a Real Canadian Superstore in Winnipeg.
“We are trying very hard to purchase Canadian made… They should be trying to help us, not mislead us,” the post reads.
General Mills, the company behind popular brands like Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, is an American company with a factory in Mississauga. While there’s a difference between a “Product of Canada” label, which means at least 98 per cent of the total costs of producing the item were incurred in Canada versus a “Made in Canada” label which means at least 51 per cent, but less than 98, many residents are calling to ditch U.S.-owned corporations.
“We need some “made in America ” stickers and little toothpicks flags to start combatting this false advertising,” a Reddit user said.
“We’re fighting quite literally for our sovereignty! I say if this keeps happening, we find a way to start holding these stores and their managers accountable,” another user wrote.
LOBLAW SAYS IT’S “SECURING” CANADIAN FOOD
Loblaw Companies Limited, which owns Real Canadian Superstore, says it is aware of the issue and apologized for any inconvenience.
The retailer says while every endcap – the display for a product placed at the end of an aisle – is mapped out and planned in advance, the actual process of changing the overhead signage is manual, and assured that it’s working with every store to educate employees on correct details as displays are updated.
Loblaw also told Now Toronto its goal is to not only minimize any potential impact of tariffs on food prices, but assist in providing customers vital information on products they’re purchasing in support of the Canadian economy.
“We’re securing as much food as possible that is grown and made in Canada. We’re talking with our current Canadian vendors to source more products from them, and looking into new and alternative local vendors. Today, a fair amount of food is grown and/or processed in Canada,” a Loblaw spokesperson said.
The retailer also said that it also showcases Canadian-made products beyond stores, but also online, and in flyers all in an effort to make purchasing decisions easier for customers.
“We’re advocating for Canadians. We’re talking with government and industry to ensure the potential consequences of this situation for Canadian consumers are well understood.”
