Lawyers have filed a request with the Quebec Superior Court to start a class‑action lawsuit against Driscoll’s, accusing the company of not telling buyers that its berries may contain pesticide residues.

The proposed class would include anyone in Quebec who bought Driscoll’s strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or blueberries since Jan. 1 2022. If the court approves, the suit could seek compensation and punitive damages for the whole group.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspected Driscoll’s berries sold in grocery stores from 2022 to 2024. The agency said tests showed the insecticide bifenthrin and the fungicides iprodione and captan were above the legal limits set by Canada.

Despite the findings, the CFIA did not order a recall and the investigations were closed without further action, meaning the berries stayed on shelves while the residue levels were technically non‑compliant.

Driscoll’s has rejected the accusations. In an email to CBC, the company said it has amended its controls to meet Canadian standards, never knowingly ships unsafe products, and maintains comprehensive food‑safety programs.

The company added that it welcomes the legal process, believing that expert analysis will show its practices are safe and compliant with Canadian law.

According to the filing, a Quebec judge may need at least a year to decide whether the class‑action meets the legal criteria for authorization.

For consumers, the case raises two main concerns. First, the presence of pesticide residues above legal limits could pose health risks, especially for people who eat berries regularly. Second, if the class‑action succeeds, affected shoppers might receive compensation for any harm or inconvenience.