Commonwealth_ An investigation has revealed systematic overcharging at some of Canada’s largest grocery chains, where customers were charged for the weight of packaging alongside underweighted meat products. These practices violate federal regulations and add financial strain to Canadians grappling with rising food costs.
CBC News led the investigation that found discrepancies at stores operated by Loblaw Companies Ltd. (TSX: L), Sobeys Inc., and Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT). Reporters visited seven grocery stores across three provinces and uncovered violations at four locations. These included two Loblaw-owned stores, a Sobeys-owned FreshCo, and a Walmart.
Loblaw stores in Toronto and Calgary discovered underweight packages of chicken, pork, and ground beef in late 2024. The discrepancies resulted in overcharges totaling $5.14 across six items, approximately five percent of the total bill. Similarly, at a FreshCo in Toronto, customers were overcharged $2.62 on a $38.08 bill due to underweighted meat. A Walmart store in Richmond, B.C., overcharged customers $3.07, representing nearly seven percent of a $47.42 bill.
In each instance, the stores had weighed the meat with its packaging, a clear violation of federal regulations.
Loblaw Admits Widespread Overcharging
Loblaw has previously faced scrutiny for similar issues. In 2023, Hecla Island resident Iris Griffin uncovered a significant discrepancy in the weight of the ground beef she purchased. Labels overstated the net weight by including the plastic tray, leading to overcharges. Griffin expressed anger over the discovery, stating, “I was shocked to realize I was paying for plastic.”
Loblaw later admitted the error, which affected 80 of its 2,400 stores. Although the company did not disclose how long the issue persisted or the total overcharges, spokesperson Catherine Thomas apologized, assuring customers that the problem had been resolved.
“We apologize for these errors,” Thomas said, adding that Loblaw had updated in-store training to prevent future occurrences.
Enforcement Lags Despite federal regulations,
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), responsible for ensuring compliance with food weight regulations, was informed of Loblaw’s violations in 2023 but neither inspected the affected stores nor issued fines. The CFIA relies on a combination of inspections, surveillance, and consumer complaints to enforce regulations.
However, critics argue this approach lacks effectiveness. Even for repeat offenders, the CFIA rarely issues fines, according to documents obtained by CBC. During the 2023–24 fiscal year, the CFIA conducted only 125 planned inspections for weight accuracy across over 8,000 grocery stores in Canada.
“There’s no bite to the enforcement,” said Mark Olivier, a former grocery manager. “What motivates stores to comply when mistakes that favor them increase profitability?”
Terri Lee, a retired CFIA inspector, corroborated Olivier’s concerns. She noted that underweight meat and seafood have been ongoing issues throughout her 24-year career. Lee attributed the problem to inadequate monitoring by stores and insufficient CFIA oversight.
“The cost of food has really increased,” Lee emphasized. “It’s more critical than ever to protect consumers from being overcharged.”
Calls for vigilance and accountability
Consumers like Griffin are urging others to stay alert. She advises shoppers to weigh their meat purchases and report discrepancies to the CFIA. “People need to be angry,” she said. “If no one speaks up, the problem will continue.”
Loblaw has pledged compensation for affected customers but has yet to provide specific details. Walmart and Sobeys also stated they are addressing the issue with their third-party suppliers, though both companies declined to elaborate. Walmart’s spokesperson, Felicia Fefer, assured the public that the company takes these concerns “very seriously,” while Sobeys’ Tshani Jaja reaffirmed the chain’s commitment to federal compliance.
A Persistent Problem
This investigation underscores the widespread and persistent nature of overcharging in Canada’s grocery sector. Critics argue that stronger enforcement and greater accountability are necessary to deter violations. With food prices continuing to rise, the financial burden on consumers makes regulatory compliance more urgent than ever. For now, shoppers are left to rely on their own vigilance to avoid being overcharged. As Griffin noted, “This isn’t just about a few dollars it’s about fairness and trust.”
