Food manufacturers and retailers cannot reliably verify maple syrup authenticity and prevent fraudulent labeling

Maple syrup producers, distributors, and retailers face escalating regulatory violations and consumer trust erosion as 'maple washing'—mislabeling or adulterating maple products—becomes increasingly common. Current testing and verification methods are insufficient to catch fraudulent products before they reach consumers, exposing companies to compliance penalties, recalls, and brand damage. Food watchdogs are overwhelmed trying to police the supply chain after violations occur rather than preventing them upstream.