Loblaws, Groceries Accused of Overcharging Canadians for Underweighted Meat
An investigation has reportedly revealed widespread overcharging at major grocery chains in Canada, with stores selling underweighted meat and charging customers for packaging weight. This issue, which has persisted for years, is resurfacing as food prices remain a source of strain for many Canadians.
The investigation identified underweighted meat packages at stores owned by Loblaw Companies Ltd. (TSX: L), Sobeys Inc., and Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT). CBC News reporters visited seven major grocery stores in three provinces and discovered discrepancies at four locations, including two Loblaw stores, a Sobeys-owned FreshCo, and a Walmart.
In late 2024, CBC found underweighted chicken, pork, and ground beef at Loblaw-owned stores in Toronto and Calgary. The overcharges on six purchased items amounted to $5.14, or about five percent of the total bill.
Meanwhile, at a FreshCo in Toronto, underweighted meat products led to a calculated overcharge of $2.62 on a $38.08 bill. In Richmond, B.C., Walmart customers faced an overcharge of $3.07, approximately 6.9 percent of the $47.42 bill.
All stores appeared to have weighed the products with their packaging, a violation of federal regulations.
“We apologize for these errors”
In a separate case, Loblaw admitted to overcharging customers across 80 of its stores due to a packaging error. This issue, reported by Hecla Island resident Iris Griffin, involved ground beef labels overstating net weight by including the packaging. Griffin, who discovered the discrepancy in late 2023, said she was “angry” to find she had been charged for the weight of the plastic tray.
Loblaw acknowledged the error but did not disclose when it began or the total amount overcharged. Spokesperson Catherine Thomas assured customers the problem was fixed and emphasized that the issue affected only three percent of Loblaw’s 2,400 stores.
“We apologize for these errors,” Thomas said, adding that Loblaw has “refreshed our in-store training” to prevent future mistakes.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, tasked with enforcing food weight regulations, confirmed it was notified of the Loblaw issue in 2023 but did not conduct store inspections or issue fines. According to CFIA spokesperson Patrick Girard, the agency relies on inspections, surveillance, and consumer complaints to enforce compliance.
However, documents obtained by CBC show that fines are rarely issued, even in cases of repeat violations.
In the 2023–24 fiscal year, the CFIA conducted 125 planned inspections for weight accuracy across more than 8,000 grocery stores. Critics argue this level of oversight is insufficient.
“There’s no bite to the enforcement,” said Mark Olivier, a former grocery manager. “What’s the motivation for the store to do things properly if they’re more profitable when they err to the detriment of the consumer?”
Terri Lee, a retired CFIA inspector, confirmed that underweighted meat and seafood have been persistent issues throughout her 24-year career. She cited a lack of consistent monitoring by grocery stores and insufficient CFIA inspections as key factors.
“The cost of food has really increased,” Lee said. “It’s extremely important now to protect the consumer.”
Consumers like Griffin are urging others to remain vigilant. “People need to be angry,” she said, encouraging shoppers to weigh their purchases and report discrepancies to the CFIA. For those impacted, Loblaw has promised compensation, although details remain vague.
While Walmart and Sobeys both stated they are addressing the issue with third-party suppliers, they offered few specifics. Walmart’s Felicia Fefer said the company takes concerns “very seriously,” and Sobeys’ Tshani Jaja reaffirmed the company’s commitment to federal compliance.
Information for this story was found via CBC and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
So they do inspections, get complaints…..my guess is the fines are %100 insufficient which is why they don’t get off their hands and get to it.
It is about consequences. And if we think PP is going to do any better at standing up to CEOs we have our heads up our proverbial A….sses. Worst idea we ever had in the 80s was handing over control of our lives to corporations and becoming shareholders. Thanks Reagan and company. Now everyone is afraid of CEOs and Oligarchs. Good luck to us. We may well have to fight. There are more of us. But first a few of them will have to die of old age.
Shame on the law. Selling undweight product is surely considered fraud encouraged by our law enforment agency. Shame on the greedy food chains and bigger shame to enforcement. This is why Canada where food is concerned really heading fast down the crapper. Why have laws and rules if the big boys get away with such practices. It would seem neither the law enforcers are compitent or care and the Corporations such as Loblaws Sobys/ Longos Walmart etc know the goverment inspectors dont care. Just how corrupt is our food supply. Again the scandals involving Loblaws is not acceptable. It is an intent to defraud the people and totally unacceptable. It appears Canada is really very corrupt but likes to believe in the myth of being honest and good. JT spoke to the greedy giants about costs..what a joke. Did we see a drop in costs ? No.. Did JT follow up ? No otherwise we would have seen some decent drops but instead we hear about further cheating. Well I guess this is the ” honor amongst thieves.”
WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT GOING TO DO TO ADDRESS THIS FORM OF CRIME AGAINST HUMAN RIGHT?? Well I wont be using the stoes named. I will be doing my own measuring of fresh items such asvmeat and fish. At Christmas Loblaws brought in rib roasts..In small print was the wording “NOT CERTIFIED” Now what does that mean exactly?? Id like the food inspection agency to address. I guess just another loss for the people…it surely raises the question on the quality and safety of those roasts.. With the increase of produce recalls what exactly is happening to our food chain? Salmonella Botulism etc. This raises the question about safety and security of the people and a huge question about government and its oversight. Looks like ” the libs make the headlines again” if our inspection of food is allowed drop.
Who is responsible for the safety of our population. Surely the CEOs in corporations such as Loblaws ,Walmart etc would like to explain their approved practices to the courts. My but Canadian standards are really pathetic….what are you adoing with our taxes inspectors? Time to overhaul and hold all parties responsible.? Citizens waken up.