User Tag List

Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 20
Like Tree26Likes

Thread: Interesting email I got about Canadian products/produce

  1. #1
    Smart Canuck erin9mmm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    here
    Posts
    1,642
    Likes Received
    1043
    Trading Score
    0 (0%)




    2
    Very interesting and important read

    It's of some importance for all of us.

    . . . I thought this was very interesting. I was surprised by the "NO
    NAME BRAND" and "PRESIDENT'S CHOICE", I thought they would be both the same.

    *Well, add Safeway brand to this list... A couple of weeks ago I
    bought bread & butter pickles.... they were disgusting, soft & mushy..... they
    were made in India. I checked a jar of the Safeway brand relish (I bought it
    because I wanted a tall jar), ... made in India! What the heck, don't we
    have cucumbers in Canada?

    Anyway, I returned the pickles to Safeway, no problem there,
    explaining the situation, the customer service person said, "What?" --
    checked the label and said, "I would never dream they were made in India and
    I am not a pickle person although I just bought a jar to take to a function
    but I will bring them back tomorrow." I told her I would be phoning head
    office to tell them that Safeway Canada products should be made in Canada
    not India.

    Next day I phoned the Canada Safeway head office customer service. I
    had a nice, long and very funny chat with the rep. After telling my story,
    she asked, "Why are pickles made in India, what type of pickles were
    they...?" [Bread & Butter]. She said, "I just bought a jar last night being
    true to my Safeway brand.... but I never read the label." She could not
    believe that the pickles were made in India and said that she will return
    them." In awe she said, "we have tons of cucumbers in Canada."

    She said she was writing up two reports, one to Corporate and one to
    buyers with my concerns. We both had a good laugh when I said, "... well
    there is some good in this -- I will be reading my Safeway labels and not
    assuming because it says Safeway Canada that it is Canadian produce." I told
    her I will not be buying any products like this. She was really funny, then
    she said, "What about the relish?" I said it was comparable with other no
    name products and I only bought it because I wanted a tall jar to put my
    Bick's relish in it but I will not be buying it again because it is made in
    India. She then said, "I am going to write that one up as well... I just
    cannot believe it!"

    Now you're telling me Bick's is not made in Canada ..... anyone got a
    canner???? Time for a revolt!

    Imported food we eat -- Interesting & scary food info here. Look even
    more carefully at labels now.

    Did you know, Green Giant frozen vegetables are from China and so are
    most of Europe's Best?!
    Arctic Gardens is OK.

    Never buy the grocery store garlic unless it is clearly marked "from
    USA" or Canada, the other stuff is grown in people poop (even worse than
    chicken poop).

    Buy only local honey, much honey is shipped in in huge containers from
    China and re-packed here.

    Cold-FX is grown and packed in China and is full of fecal bacteria.
    Doesn't work anyway, big scam. If the country of origin is not clearly
    marked, Beware... if unsure, ask an employee.

    Watch out for packages which state "prepared for", "packed by" or
    "imported by". I don't understand the lack of mandatory labelling in BC,
    especially the produce. In Ontario, the country of origin has to be clearly
    shown on the item in the store; not sure about other provinces.

    I go to the local farmers' markets in season and keep a wary eye open
    the rest of the year.

    Please read this very carefully, and read to the very bottom. It's of
    some importance for all of us.

    How is it possible to ship food from China cheaper -- than having it
    produced in Canada or at least the U. S.?

    FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT
    ON THE CAN FROM CHINA .... SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS BUY THE LIBERTY GOLD
    BRAND OR DOLE IS FROM CAL.

    Beware: Costco sells canned peaches & pears, in a plastic jar, that
    come from China.

    ALL "HIGH LINER" AND MOST OTHER FROZEN FISH PRODUCTS COME FROM CHINA
    OR INDONESIA. THE PACKAGE MAY SAY "PACIFIC SALMON" ON THE FRONT, BUT LOOK
    FOR THE SMALL PRINT.
    MOST OF THESE PRODUCTS COME FROM FISH FARMS IN THE ORIENT AND THERE
    ARE NO REGULATIONS ON WHAT IS FED TO THESE FISH.

    Recently the Montreal Gazette had an article by the Canadian Gov't how
    Chinese feed the fish... they suspend the chicken wire crates over the fish
    ponds, and the fish feed on chicken excrement. Canadian Government
    recommended and stressed NOT to buy any type of fish imported from China. If
    you search the internet and learn what the Chinese feed their fish you'll be
    alarmed, eg. growth hormones, expired anti-biotics from humans... Never buy
    any type of fish or shellfish that comes from these countries: Vietnam,
    China, Philippines....

    Check this out yourself.

    BICK'S HAVE RECENTLY CEASED OPERATIONS IN CANADA -- DON'T BUY THEM.
    Stienfeld's Pickles are made in India - just as bad!!! But many NoName
    pickles are made in Canada ..

    Another example is canned mushrooms. No-Name brand came from
    Indonesia.. Next to them were President Choice brand... Product of Canada!!

    Also check those little fruit cups we give to our children. They used
    to be made here in Canada in the Niagara region, until about 2 years ago.....
    They are now packaged in China!

    While the Chinese, export inferior and even toxic products, dangerous
    toys and goods to be sold in North American markets, the media wrings its
    hands and criticizes the Obama Administration and the Harper Government for
    perceived errors. Yet 70% of North Americans believe that the trading
    privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended!! Well, duh. Why do
    you need the government to suspend trading privileges?

    SIMPLY DO IT YOURSELF ... BUY ONLY ITEMS FROM CANADA & USA.

    Look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in
    China' or 'PRC' (which now includes Hong Kong), simply choose another
    product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on
    Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.

    Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use
    real ones and benefit some North American farmer. Easter is just an example;
    the point is not waiting for the government to act... Just go ahead and
    assume control on your own.

    Canadian Thermos bottles were made here for many years. Thermos sold
    out in the 1990's and now the bottles, those that keep our food warm or cold
    are now made in CHINA. We lost---about 200 jobs!

    THINK ABOUT THIS:

    If 200 million North Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese
    goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our
    favour... fast!! The downside? Some Canadian/American businesses will feel a
    temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory.

    Just one month of trading losses, will hit the Chinese for 8% of their
    North American exports. Then they will at least have to ask themselves if
    the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.

    START NOW and don't stop.

    Send this to everybody you know. Let's unite and show them that we are
    intelligent Canadians /Americans, and NOBODY can take us for granted. If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives...


    WEDESERVE WHAT WE GET!

    GH
    This thread is currently associated with: Costco, Europe's Best, Safeway
    Last edited by erin9mmm; Fri, Jan 4th, 2013 at 10:13 AM.
    icangarden and ticul like this.
    Earn Gift Cards With Me Click the link below
    http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/erin9mmm


  2. #2
    Mastermind Natalka's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    SK
    Posts
    118,045
    Likes Received
    147799
    Trading Score
    29 (100%)




    snopes dot com says this piece has been circulating since 2009 - they don't give it a true or false -
    http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/checkcan.asp

    But, much can be said about origin of country labelling - it's all in the 'definitions'...

    Marketplace episode in 2009

    http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/2009/v...ts/busted.html

    The guidelines - at least they are better than they used to be
    http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/...ae.shtml#a4_19


    That said, I don't mind imported foods - pickles from Poland are awesome!
    Dee09, lecale, Mia and 1 others like this.

  3. #3
    Smart Canuck erin9mmm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    here
    Posts
    1,642
    Likes Received
    1043
    Trading Score
    0 (0%)




    ^^^thanks for the links. I figured there was more to the story out there but it's good to know anyways.
    Earn Gift Cards With Me Click the link below
    http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/erin9mmm

  4. #4
    Canadian Guru
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Halifax, NS
    Posts
    10,451
    Likes Received
    6365
    Trading Score
    61 (100%)




    Here's another interesting pickle story. If you're looking for an alternative to bikini waxing, this may be for you!

    http://www.thelapine.ca/monsanto-cuc...ed-nova-scotia
    erin9mmm and veebee like this.

  5. #5
    Smart Canuck erin9mmm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    here
    Posts
    1,642
    Likes Received
    1043
    Trading Score
    0 (0%)




    ^^^good article Zonny.
    ...
    "Fully 3/4 of the people who ate these cukes had their crotch area hair fall out. This is not a joking matter at all...these people now have hairless heinies."
    lol
    and...
    "They used to have the real cucumber slices in those salad things at the City Hall Dining Club," sighed Former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford on the courthouse steps after being impeached by a Provincial Judge. "Those were good times..."
    lol
    Earn Gift Cards With Me Click the link below
    http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/erin9mmm

  6. #6
    Smart Canuck
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    ON
    Posts
    1,932
    Likes Received
    605
    Trading Score
    0 (0%)




    i kinda knew this was coming because i was asked whether i prefer food made in(/product of) india, china, or mexico. if i had had a choice, i'd have chosen 'none of the above.' but i guess companies have to survive. o well
    erin9mmm likes this.


  7. #7
    CaLoonie
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Ontario
    Posts
    127
    Likes Received
    184
    Trading Score
    0 (0%)



    While I totally agree with the whole buying local idea, it sometimes just isn't cost effective to do so. Minimum wage is really high in Canada. This causes our local produce to cost a lot more to make. Farmers aren't able to hire as many people to help because they can't afford to pay them, so they have to work longer, harder hours. Despite this, they don't make much money. They then charge more for their produce than other countries.

    I'm not surprised that companies are finding less expensive alternatives. If they have to pay Canadian workers to package foods and grow foods, they won't be able to charge the same prices any longer. The food prices would rise and then we would all complain about rising food costs.

    The one element that I didn't really agree with was the fertilizer discussion. They use excrement from people in farming here in Canada. I know this because some of my family is in farming. They specifically purchase different fertilizers, often from the city, that sells excrement from people. This is a good way to use something that we all just assume gets flushed away. Where do you think the excrement goes? At least this way it's been treated and is being used for something useful. What is the difference between animal and people excrement anyway? When I think about it, it is kind of yucky, but we wash it off anyway so who cares.
    Dee09, Mia, erin9mmm and 1 others like this.

  8. #8
    Canadian Guru
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Halifax, NS
    Posts
    10,451
    Likes Received
    6365
    Trading Score
    61 (100%)




    Quote Originally Posted by Kelly5 View Post
    While I totally agree with the whole buying local idea, it sometimes just isn't cost effective to do so. Minimum wage is really high in Canada. This causes our local produce to cost a lot more to make. Farmers aren't able to hire as many people to help because they can't afford to pay them, so they have to work longer, harder hours. Despite this, they don't make much money. They then charge more for their produce than other countries.

    I'm not surprised that companies are finding less expensive alternatives. If they have to pay Canadian workers to package foods and grow foods, they won't be able to charge the same prices any longer. The food prices would rise and then we would all complain about rising food costs.
    I agree with you on this. Eating local is a great idea in theory, but when I go to the local farmers market and they're charging $5 for a loaf of bread or a bunch of carrots that I can get for less than half that in the grocery store, that's not reasonable for me. Maybe it is better/fresher, but I just won't pay that much. We do go on a couple of farm visits each year to go pick fresh produce; we pay a lot more for it there too, but by going we're teaching our six year old that food doesn't just come from the grocery store. I can still remember the first time we dug potatoes at the u-pick - he didn't believe me that this was where potatoes came from, he was shocked when we dug the shovel in and came up with a bunch of potatoes that we cooked for supper that night. We've picked beans, onions, carrots, pumpkins, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and apples too. I like that it helps the local farmers too, but not something I can afford to do all the time. I'd love to get meat from a local farmer, but again ,the cost is prohibitive.

    Quote Originally Posted by erin9mmm View Post
    ^^^good article Zonny.
    ...
    lol
    and...
    lol
    I thought this line was hilarious:

    Federal Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq said a Canada-wide recall and ban will be issued within 24 hours. "The Government of Canada takes this very, very seriously," said the Minister. "Being hairless down there should be a matter of personal choice for Canadian men and women and not one taken away by a cucumber."

    But it leads me to think it isn't real. However, there's sure a lot of sites carrying this article!
    Dee09 and erin9mmm like this.

  9. #9
    Sith Lady and Cool Kid Darth Penguin's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    On the verge of indecision
    Posts
    13,970
    Likes Received
    15364
    Trading Score
    20 (100%)




    Quote Originally Posted by Zonny View Post
    Here's another interesting pickle story. If you're looking for an alternative to bikini waxing, this may be for you!

    http://www.thelapine.ca/monsanto-cuc...ed-nova-scotia

    It's a satire site a kin to The Onion...


    Short answer : no Long answer : NOOOOOOOOOOO!

    Welcome to the Penguinocracy..One Penguin, One vote..I am The Penguin..I have the One Vote

  10. #10
    Mastermind Shwa Girl's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Ontario
    Posts
    24,146
    Likes Received
    40601
    Trading Score
    7 (100%)




    Quote Originally Posted by erin9mmm View Post
    Very interesting and important read

    Now you're telling me Bick's is not made in Canada ..... anyone got a
    canner???? Time for a revolt!

    Yes. Bicks is no longer made in Canada. The last plant closed. US and Mexico for Bicks.
    Dee09 likes this.

  11. #11
    Smart Canuck erin9mmm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    here
    Posts
    1,642
    Likes Received
    1043
    Trading Score
    0 (0%)




    I think what caught my attention the most is the assumption that certain products are home grown and even the slight deception where you have to really read the label to know for sure.
    As for pickles, between myself, my mom and other family members we do our own canning so I usually never buy them from the store anyways.
    Dee09 and Shwa Girl like this.
    Earn Gift Cards With Me Click the link below
    http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/erin9mmm

  12. #12
    Mastermind Shwa Girl's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Ontario
    Posts
    24,146
    Likes Received
    40601
    Trading Score
    7 (100%)




    Quote Originally Posted by erin9mmm View Post
    I think what caught my attention the most is the assumption that certain products are home grown and even the slight deception where you have to really read the label to know for sure.
    As for pickles, between myself, my mom and other family members we do our own canning so I usually never buy them from the store anyways.
    Home made sounds good.
    Some people make their own tomato sauce each year, with locally grown tomatoes.

    I think that time has gotten away from us. We don't make enough from scratch any more.
    erin9mmm likes this.

  13. #13
    Mastermind Shwa Girl's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Ontario
    Posts
    24,146
    Likes Received
    40601
    Trading Score
    7 (100%)




    For local cucumbers, we can grow our own.
    For local tomatoes (not made with Monsanto's genetically modified tomatoes with pig genes), we can buy heirloom tomato seeds.

    Local apples are great too.
    Dee09 and erin9mmm like this.

  14. #14
    Senior Canuck
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    647
    Likes Received
    224
    Trading Score
    0 (0%)



    Very interesting topic and thread. Thanks for posting. I do my own pickles/relish as I have a large garden so that part doesn't apply to me but I'm certainly buying the fish and will be checking the label more carefully from now on!

  15. #15
    Smart Canuck
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Beautiful BC!
    Posts
    3,941
    Likes Received
    508
    Trading Score
    30 (100%)




    kudos for reading the labe l....most people don't....I've known the origins of processed food for years, but then again, I've always read the labels. I'm always curious about ingredients, and also country of origin for frozen produce & meat/fish.

    this is why I buy very little processed foods these days, and why I prefer to buy local and can or bake my own items.

    that being said, I do buy ethnic food items quite frequently...it's all about being informed and making educated choices.

    lots of food items are made/processed in other countries, shipped over in large quantities and are then packaged in Canada into consumer-size containers.
    Dee09 and erin9mmm like this.

Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •