The plot has thickened in the Justin Trudeau-Heinz ketchup controversy, as consumers with bottles that say “Product of USA” question how Canadian the popular condiment really is.
Kraft Heinz took aim at the prime minister last week, saying comments he made in relation to a looming Canada-U.S. trade war gave the impression that Heinz ketchup was not made in Canada.
“HEINZ Ketchup is made in Canada, by Canadians, using Canadian tomatoes,” Kraft Heinz said in a statement.
The company then ran a full-page ad in the Monday edition of the Globe and Mail, touting its Canadian identity.
At least two dozen readers have contacted CBC since Trudeau’s remarks, however, to say their Heinz ketchup bottles are labelled “Product of USA.” Many sent photos to back up their claims.
Consumers reported American bottles in multiple provinces, in towns and cities spanning the country from Pender Island, B.C., to St. John’s. So what’s really happening? Kraft Heinz provided us with an answer.