Full Breakdown
Investigation Uncovers Fraudulent Maple Syrup Sales in Quebec
4/2/2026, 10:04:31 PM
Discovery of Falsified Maple Syrup
An investigation by Radio-Canada's Enquête program has revealed that Steve Bourdeau, a major maple syrup producer based in Saint-Chrysostome, Quebec, has been selling syrup labeled as "pure maple syrup" that contains at least 50% cane sugar. The inquiry began when a journalist noticed an unusual taste in a can of syrup purchased from a grocery store. Following this, Enquête traced the product back to Bourdeau, whose syrup is sold in hundreds of grocery stores, including major chains like IGA and Metro.
Testing and Findings
Enquête purchased five cans of Bourdeau's syrup from various stores and batches, which were then analyzed at Le Centre ACER, Quebec's laboratory responsible for maple syrup quality control. The results confirmed the presence of cane sugar, with Luc Lagacé, director of research at ACER, stating, “This is the first time I’ve seen falsification of this kind. You can see that it’s outright cane sugar that’s been added to the cans. This is not an accident. It’s deliberate.”
Bourdeau's Response and Business Practices
In conversations with undercover Enquête reporters, Bourdeau initially denied the allegations but later suggested that the issue might stem from suppliers in New Brunswick and Ontario from whom he purchases syrup. He admitted to sometimes labeling syrup sourced from outside Quebec as "product of Quebec," which is illegal. Bourdeau claimed he could sell his syrup for less than $5 a can due to unspecified illegal practices, stating, “There’s a lot of jealousy going on. Because I have the market. And it’s not entirely legal. And I got away with it anyway.”
Regulatory Oversight and Industry Standards
Geneviève Clermont, head of ACER's inspection division, noted that while 90% of syrup sold in bulk from Quebec is tested, products sold directly to grocery stores by producers like Bourdeau are not routinely inspected. Isabelle Lapointe, head of the Quebec Federation of Maple Syrup Producers, emphasized that producers must ensure their products meet provincial standards, regardless of their source.
Implications and Next Steps
The findings of this investigation raise significant concerns about the integrity of the maple syrup industry in Quebec, which is responsible for nearly three-quarters of the world's maple syrup production. The incident may prompt regulatory reviews and potential recalls of affected products. Bourdeau has stated he will launch his own investigation into the source of the adulterated syrup and plans to implement an inspection system, although he indicated no intention to recover the syrup already sold.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is the first time I've seen falsification of this kind. You can see that it's outright cane sugar that's been added to the cans,” — Luc Lagacé, Director of Research, Le Centre ACER
- “I'm the best when it comes to prices. The others can't even come close.” — Steve Bourdeau, Maple Syrup Producer
- “There's a lot of jealousy going on. Because I have the market. And it's not entirely legal. And I got away with it anyway.” — Steve Bourdeau, Maple Syrup Producer
This investigation highlights the need for stricter oversight and consumer vigilance in the maple syrup market, ensuring that products labeled as pure meet the high standards expected by consumers.
