Uncover the shocking truth behind your rising grocery bills with food professor Sylvain Charlebois in this episode of The Dark Side of Dining, as he breaks down Canada's massive, multi-million dollar bread price-fixing scandal. Charlebois details the 14-year scheme (from 2001-2015) involving seven major companies, including leading retailers like Loblaw, Sobeys, Metro, and Walmart, and bakers like Canada Bread . The saga began when Loblaw became a whistleblower, disclosing the collusion in exchange for immunity, and offering customers a controversial $25 gift certificate payout. We track the fallout, including a $50 million fine paid by Canada Bread (the highest in history) and Loblaw's recent agreement to a $500 million payout. Charlebois draws a stark comparison between Canada’s immunity-granting approach and the tougher U.S. stance, where executives have faced jail time for similar offenses like price-fixing in canned tuna. The ongoing scandal raises urgent questions about consumer trust and whether other staple products—like beef and canned goods—are also compromised. Ultimately, the lack of forceful regulation and the cozy "club" environment among Canadian grocers is preventing new competition and resulting in higher, unfair prices for the average shopper. Learn how paying attention to market dynamics and holding powerful companies accountable are the only ways to ensure a truly fair food economy.

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