Driscoll’s, widely recognised as one of the world’s largest berry distributors, is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit in Quebec over allegations that some of its berries sold in Canada contained pesticide residues exceeding permitted regulatory limits. The case has raised questions about food safety, consumer protection and the level of transparency expected from major companies supplying fresh produce to Canadian supermarkets. The application for authorization to bring the class action was filed in Quebec Superior Court on September 28, 2026, against Driscoll’s Canada Operations Inc. and Driscoll’s Inc. It concerns the company’s strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries sold to consumers in Quebec. According to the allegations outlined in the legal application, certain Driscoll’s-branded berries contained pesticide residues above the maximum residue limits established under Canadian regulations. The lawsuit also alleges that consumers were not adequately informed about the potential regulatory concerns associated with the products. These claims have not yet been proven in court. The legal filing further alleges that the company was aware of compliance concerns dating back to 2022 but continued distributing its products without providing sufficient information to consumers. The applicant argues that people purchasing fresh fruit should be able to expect that products comply with Canadian food-safety standards and that companies should provide accurate information about the products they sell. The proposed class action seeks to represent individuals who purchased Driscoll’s-branded strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or blueberries in Quebec from January 1, 2022, onwards. The plaintiff is seeking compensation that includes a reduction in the purchase price of the products, along with punitive damages. The final amount being sought will depend on the legal proceedings and any evidence presented. Pesticide residue is an issue closely monitored by food-safety authorities because agricultural chemicals are used to protect crops from insects, weeds and plant diseases. Canadian regulations establish maximum residue limits for pesticides in food. These limits are intended to ensure that residues remain within permitted levels when products reach consumers. The presence of a pesticide residue does not automatically mean that a food product is unsafe; the type of chemical, the amount detected and the applicable regulatory limit are important considerations. The allegations in the Quebec case also bring attention to the responsibility of food producers, distributors and retailers to maintain effective monitoring systems throughout the supply chain. Fresh berries often pass through several stages, including cultivation, harvesting, packaging, transportation and retail distribution. Testing and regulatory oversight play an important role in ensuring that products meet applicable standards before reaching supermarket shelves. The Quebec lawsuit follows other legal and public scrutiny involving allegations about pesticide residues in berries supplied to the Canadian market. Separate claims have also been raised concerning Driscoll’s food-safety monitoring and regulatory compliance practices. However, allegations made in separate proceedings should not be treated as established findings in the Quebec case. The proposed class action is still at an early legal stage. Filing an application does not mean that the court has certified the lawsuit, determined that the allegations are true or found the company liable. The court must first consider whether the case meets the requirements to proceed as a class action. Driscoll’s will also have the opportunity to respond to the allegations through the legal process. The case could have broader implications for discussions about pesticide testing, food labelling and consumer rights in Canada. It may also encourage greater public attention to how food-safety standards are monitored and how companies communicate potential concerns involving products sold to the public. For consumers, the legal proceedings highlight the importance of reliable food-safety oversight and transparent information about fresh produce. Any final determination regarding Driscoll’s products and the allegations in the lawsuit will depend on the evidence and the outcome of the court process.