Loblaw could be investigated for discount reduction

Loblaw announced it was reducing the sale price of expiring food, and now officials in Canada are asking the Competition Bureau to get involved, reports Global News.

The Bureau investigates anti-competitive practices and is aware of the Loblaw news but cannot comment on anything that could turn into an investigation.

Loblaw has reduced the discount offered on products reaching their best buy date from 50% to 30%, matching the standard in the grocery industry in Canada.

Loblaw says the move allows stores to be more consistent and predictable in pricing. Shoppers also can receive discounts by using the FlashFood app, according to the grocer.

Innovation Minister Francois-Phillippe Champagne has been calling on Canadian grocers to lower their prices for months. Leaders of some of the top retailers have been meeting with lawmakers to come up with a solution, but so far, the only thing that has been produced is a pledge to stabilize costs.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has threatened imposing a tax on grocers if they did not create a plan to restrict the rise in food prices, reports Reuters.

Meanwhile, Champagne said a grocery task force in Ottawa will track the grocers to make sure they follow through on the cost pledge.