New York Sues JBS, World’s Largest Meatpacker, Over Sustainability Claims
State accuses Brazilian company of misleading customers with claims it can reduce carbon footprint despite growth plans
February 29, 2024 | Source: The Guardian | by Edward Helmore
The state of New York is suing the US arm of JBS, the world’s largest meatpacker, accusing the Brazilian company of misleading customers over its climate goals, including a plan to reach net zero carbon neutral standards by 2040.
Letitia James, the New York attorney general, filed the suit alleging that JBS USA had repeatedly assured the public and consumers with sustainability claims that could, in effect, “provide environmentally conscious consumers with a license to eat beef”.
James said the company’s “environmental greenwashing exploits the pocketbooks of everyday Americans and the promise of a healthy planet for future generations”.
In reality, the lawsuit claims, JBS “has had no viable plan to meet its commitment to be net zero by 2040”.
The company, which is controlled by Brazil’s billionaire Batista brothers, has claimed that it can reduce its carbon footprint despite plans to increase meat production. In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, the company said it disagreed with the attorney general’s characterization of its commitments to sustainability.