Sobeys Denies Canadians The Freedom Of Choice

- jim Young

“In my firm we dealt in lies. Advertising is that… the skilful use of the truth to mislead, to spoil, to debase.” - Storm Jameson

Does is say "Prepared for..."
or "Produced for..."?

We need to put more pressure on retailers and our government to demand clarity in labelling. I recently learned that "Compliments" products, marked "Prepared for Sobeys" indicate the product was “Made In Canada".

When it is marked "Imported for Sobeys" I think it’s pretty obvious the goods were made abroad.

But if it is marked "Produced for Sobeys" which is a subtle difference from "Prepared for..." the goods were also made abroad. It seems to me that this distinction is purposely being used to deceive the consumers. Otherwise, why not just say “Imported for Sobeys”?

Sobeys is hoping I don’t know the difference and they don’t want me to suspect they are importing goods from the U.S. 

I find it a little insulting that they think I am that stupid.

Of course that just makes me suspicious of ALL Sobey products.

Why can’t they just tell it like it is? Is the consumer expected to carry around a book of definitions? Maybe Sobeys should come out with a decoder ring for adults.

Retailers need to know that we will not accept these vague references to country of origin and put pressure on wholesalers such as Sobeys and Loblaws to accommodate the consumer demands.

Canadians NEED specific information!

Canadians WANT specific information!

Canadians DEMAND specific information!

Currently I refuse to purchase as many products as possible unless I am certain of the country of origin. And manufacturers may be shooting themselves in the foot over this.

While my first choice will always be “Made in Canada”, my second choice will be “Made in almost any country other than the U.S.”

So Sobeys products that are “Produced in Mexico” or “Imported from the U.K.” may be needlessly passing up on my purchases when they omit the actual country of origin and replace it with “Produced for…” 

I am only one Canadian but if I can figure this out, I’m certain many other Canadians already have as well.

And if it hasn’t yet occurred to you, I urge you to consider this for your future purchases.

If Sobeys insists on having their foods “Imported from the U.S.” or “Prepared in the U.S.” they should man up, admit it and let the chips fall where they may.

Some Canadians may opt to buy their products that are “Made in the U.S.” That’s their right as a Canadian! But when the country of origin is obscure, Sobeys is denying even those Canadians the right to make an informed choice.

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Further Reading: Government Of Canada - Country of origin on food labels