Lousy labels on popular products; Cineplex clarifying online fees: CBC’s Marketplace cheat sheet
This week on CBC’s Marketplace, there have been several notable consumer and health news stories that have caught the attention of Canadians. From Canada Dry’s controversial claim of being “made from real ginger” to Cineplex’s online ticket purchase fee adjustment, and the government’s decision to ban TikTok from operating in Canada, there is a lot to unpack.
One of the standout stories involves Canada Dry Ginger Ale and the misleading claim on Canadian cans that the beverage is “made from real ginger.” Consumer Emily Scott was taken aback when she realized that there was no mention of ginger in the ingredient list, despite the prominent label. In the U.S., this claim was removed following a class-action settlement in 2019, but it remains on Canadian cans. Court documents revealed that there is only one drop of ginger extract in about 70 cans of Canada Dry, and that the ginger oleoresin used is derived from ginger root. Despite criticism, Canada Dry maintains that the label accurately describes the product as it is formulated.
Another story making waves is Cineplex’s decision to adjust how a fee added to some online ticket purchases is communicated to moviegoers. This move comes after the company was hit with a $38.9-million penalty by Canada’s Competition Tribunal for deceptive marketing practices. Cineplex will now make it more obvious that there is a $1.50 online booking fee for customers not enrolled in its loyalty programs. The Competition Bureau had alleged that the charge misled consumers, but Cineplex insists that moviegoers are informed about the fees and have the option to avoid them by purchasing tickets in-person.
In a surprising turn of events, the federal government has ordered TikTok to shut down its Canadian operations due to national security concerns. While users will still be able to access the app, TikTok’s two Canadian offices in Toronto and Vancouver will be closed. Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne emphasized that the decision was made to protect national security and urged Canadians to use the app with caution. Critics have raised concerns about data privacy and the app’s ties to the Chinese government, but TikTok has maintained that its servers are outside of China and comply with Canadian laws.
In addition to these headline stories, there have been recalls of various breads and buns due to pieces of metal, struggles faced by Legion branches to stay afloat, and the impact of Quebec’s ban on flavoured vapes. If you have fallen victim to an emergency scam or have a scam story to share, Marketplace wants to hear from you.
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