Maple Leaf Foods has denied allegations of bread price fixing as it faces an attempt to add the company to a class-action lawsuit.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Maple Leaf stated that it “vigorously denies” any involvement in a conspiracy to fix the price of bread in Canada. The company also emphasized that it has not been named as a defendant in any class-action lawsuit related to the issue.
The statement comes after a motion was filed in Ontario Superior Court to add Maple Leaf as a defendant in a class-action lawsuit that alleges price fixing by major grocery chains and bread manufacturers. The motion claims that Maple Leaf was part of a “bread cartel” that artificially inflated the price of bread for over a decade.
Maple Leaf has stated that it will “vigorously defend” itself against the motion and any allegations of wrongdoing. The company also noted that it has fully cooperated with the Competition Bureau’s investigation into the matter and has not been charged with any offences.
The allegations of bread price fixing first came to light in 2017 when Loblaw Companies Ltd. and George Weston Ltd. admitted to participating in the scheme and agreed to pay a $25 million fine. Since then, several other major grocery chains and bread manufacturers have been named in class-action lawsuits.
Maple Leaf’s statement also highlighted the company’s commitment to ethical business practices and compliance with all laws and regulations. The company stated that it has always strived to provide high-quality products at competitive prices for its customers.
The motion to add Maple Leaf as a defendant in the class-action lawsuit is set to be heard in court on December 17. Maple Leaf has stated that it will continue to cooperate with the legal process and defend itself against any allegations.
