New data from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) showed the issue of incorrect weight labeling at grocery stores. Complaints regarding weight deficiencies at stores have quadrupled since two years ago.

The agency stated that the manufacturer is responsible for meeting all applicable safety and labeling requirements for its foods, including declaring the net quantity when necessary.

Data shared by CFIA indicates that between May 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022, the agency received only 22 complaints related to net food quantity, and this number has risen significantly.

Between May 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023, there were 37 complaints. A year later, between May 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024, Canadians filed 89 complaints. This is just over four times the number from two years ago.

From May 1 to May 28 of this year, CFIA received eight complaints – a significantly higher monthly average than before.

The national food agency said it takes these issues seriously and wants to know about products that consumers believe are misleadingly labeled.

The agency advised, “Consumers can report this to CFIA through the complaints or food safety concerns webpage. They can also contact the manufacturer or importer if they want more information about a specific product.”