A distillery in Calgary, Bridgeland Distillery, has faced a significant setback after being required by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to pull some of its popular spirits from retail shelves. The distillery produces several award-winning alcoholic beverages, including a corn-based whisky known as Berbon and a Taber corn mash spirit, which due to its aging period does not meet the legal definition of whisky. The owners highlight that these products represent approximately 50% of their sales, raising concerns about the impact of this order on their business operations.

The situation escalated on June 27, 2025, when CFIA officials conducted an inspection prompted by an anonymous complaint regarding the distillery’s products. During the inspection, CFIA representatives posed numerous questions focused specifically on their corn-based offerings, particularly the Berbon. Daniel Plenzik, co-owner of Bridgeland Distillery, expressed concerns over the ambiguity surrounding the complaint and its source, which adds an extra layer of stress for the small business that has been operational for about seven years.

This incident not only affects the distillery's sales but also raises questions about product labeling and compliance in the industry, potentially leading to a wider review of similar producers in Canada. The CFIA generally aims to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance in the food and beverage industry, but for smaller businesses like Bridgeland, navigating these rules can be challenging, risking their market position and financial stability amidst increasing competition.