The Competition Bureau received a number of complaints in 2004 alleging that thread count representations on packages of bed linens sold nationally were misleading under the Textile Labelling Act.

The articles displayed claims of thread counts ranging from 420 to 620 threads per square inch on various brands of imported bed linens. The Bureau tested samples using the test procedures set out by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB). The results revealed that the actual thread counts of the articles were up to 50 per cent less than those declared on the packages.

As a result of the Bureau’s investigation, the dealers (retailers and their suppliers) agreed to:

• recall all unsold bed linens that were in violation, from several national retail store customers, and re-label the articles at the supplier’s premises;
• send correct label inserts to stores having minimal stock, who opted to do the corrections themselves;
• set up an internal auditing program to test imported bed linens labelled with high thread counts;
• verify thread counts with suppliers on all future shipments; and
• purchase articles only from vendors who agree to use testing laboratories that utilize the (CGSBtesting procedures.

These matters were resolved in June of 2006.

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