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How major grocery chains influence local food availability
Dave Lawson, a proud Canadian, is frustrated by products in grocery stores adorned with Canadian symbols but actually made in the U.S.
Maple washing, as it’s known, is prevalent on shelves nationwide.
“It’s disheartening to see so-called Canadian brands that aren’t actually made in Canada. We can do better,” said Lawson from St. Catharines, Ontario, to Marketplace.
Amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariff threats against Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized “Buy Canadian,” urging support for Canadian products in various projects across the country.
Lawson belongs to a Facebook group advocating for buying Canadian-made items, especially in light of the ongoing U.S. trade tensions. This translates to choosing products manufactured in Canada with Canadian ingredients.
One product that irks him is Betty Crocker’s chocolate chip cookie mix, prominently featuring a maple leaf and claiming to be “Canada’s #1 Selling Baking Mix Brand,” yet labeled as a “Product of USA” on the back.
Marketplace tested various popular food labels and discovered that crucial information on origin can be hidden on patriotic packaging, potentially misleading consumers.
Mike von Massow, a food economics professor at the University of Guelph, described the packaging as, at minimum, confusing and possibly deceptive.
When asked about the label, General Mills, the company behind Betty Crocker, defended it, stating that the claim reflects the brand’s popularity in Canada and its commitment to Canadian kitchens.
Learn more from Marketplace journalists Rosa Marchitelli, Stephanie Kampf, and Bobby Hristova.
Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Individuals at Entertainment Venues
A B.C. man using a wheelchair highlights issues with accessible seating at major