Trying to buy Canadian, this P.E.I. shopper wants more transparency on grocery labels

As the trade war between Canada and the United States continues, many Prince Edward Islanders are making a conscious effort to support Canadian products. However, determining the country of origin for certain goods can be more complicated than expected.

One shopper, Jackie Rumney, recently noticed a produce bin at a Sobeys in Charlottetown that simply stated the food was from “U.S.A. or Mexico,” without specifying which country it actually came from. This lack of clarity prompted Rumney to reach out to the grocery chain’s head office for an explanation. She was told that the stores receive produce from multiple locations daily, making it difficult to differentiate as the bins are constantly being restocked.

Rumney expressed her frustration, stating that all produce in the stores have stickers indicating their country of origin. In light of the current trade war and the growing movement to boycott American goods, she emphasized the importance of transparent and clear labeling for consumers to make informed choices.

While Sobeys acknowledged the complexity of their produce supply chain, they assured customers that they strive to provide transparency. The company explained that working with multiple growing regions, even if they are in different countries, allows them to maintain quality and availability for customers.

Sylvain Charlebois, director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, noted that labeling products with multiple countries of origin is common due to varying growing seasons. However, with the current emphasis on supporting Canadian products, shoppers are seeking more specificity in labeling.

Rumney, who has now become more vigilant about her grocery shopping choices, emphasized that businesses should take responsibility for clearly indicating a product’s country of origin. She believes that transparency from stores is essential for consumers to make educated decisions and show support for Canadian products.

In conclusion, as Canadians continue to navigate the complexities of the trade war, the importance of clear labeling and transparency from businesses like Sobeys becomes increasingly crucial. By providing customers with accurate information about the origin of products, retailers can empower shoppers to make choices that align with their values and support the local economy.