“Uncovering Canada’s Food Industry Trust Crisis: The Decaying Foundation of CHARLEBOIS” 

Food retailers sit squarely at the top of the trust deficitPublished Nov 21, 2024  •  Last updated 19 hours ago  •  3 minute read Join the conversation A customer looks at refrigerated items at a Grocery Outlet store in Pleasanton, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022. Photo by Terry Chea, File /AP PhotoThe Canadian Centre for Food Integrity recently released its report on consumer trust in the food industry.Advertisement 2Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Don’t have an account? Create Accountor View more offersArticle contentSince 2016, trust levels had plateaued at a respectable level, but the situation has taken a dramatic turn.According to their latest survey, an unprecedented number of Canadians now believe the food industry is heading in the wrong direction. At the same time, trust in the industry has plummeted to its lowest level in eight years. Nearly one-third of Canadians think the industry is failing to focus on the right issues. While this is a broad critique, it raises valid and pressing questions.Farmers, for instance, continue to enjoy considerable goodwill from consumers. However, this goodwill is often directed more toward farmers as individuals than toward their practices.Criticisms related to pesticide and herbicide use, on-farm milk dumping, feeding cows palm oil to increase butterfat content, ethical animal treatment, and environmental concerns remain persistent. Farmers are often perceived as victims of a system dominated by multinational corporations that dictate products and rules. Yet as they move closer to consumers within the food supply chain, skepticism and doubt become apparent.Your Midday SunYour noon-hour look at what’s happening in Toronto and beyond.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againArticle contentAdvertisement 3Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentFood processors also face constant scrutiny, particularly over “shrinkflation” and so-called ultra-processed foods. Even though these companies innovate and deliver high-quality products, these efforts often fail to quell public dissatisfaction.Allegations of price fixing, such as in the bread industry and more recently targeting McCain Foods and Cavendish Farms over frozen french fries, are further eroding trust in this segment of the industry. Such accusations only reinforce the perception that some companies prioritize profit over fairness and transparency, deepening consumer skepticism.However, it is food retailers who sit squarely at the top of the trust deficit. Whether independent or part of major banners, retailers are frequently accused of abusive practi