New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) has filed a lawsuit against JBS Foods, a prominent beef producer, alleging that the company has deceived the public regarding the environmental effects of its products.
On the social media network X, which was then known as Twitter, James criticized JBS for making false representations about their dedication to sustainability and for contributing to climate change, as per The Hill.
NY Attorney General Targets JBS USA
The JBS meat placing plant is viewed in Plainwell, Michigan on June 2, 2021. - An American subsidiary of Brazilian meat processor JBS told the US government that it has received a ransom demand in a cyberattack it believes originated in Russia, forcing some plants to cut production. JBS received the demand from "a criminal organization likely based in Russia" following the attack that has affected its operations in Australia and North America, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said on June 1,2021. According to plant security this facility that processes beef is back online.
The Attorney General of the State of New York has initiated proceedings against JBS USA, which is known as one of the most popular meat suppliers in the United States. The case says that the corporation engages in misleading environmental practices and engages in fraudulent advertising. According to the accusations made in the complaint, JBS USA participated in greenwashing, which is the practice of taking advantage of the environmental concerns of customers while also allegedly breaking state laws that protect customers from being defrauded.
James, the New York attorney general, strongly criticized JBS USA, stating, "JBS USA's environmental greenwashing exploits the pocketbooks of everyday Americans and the promise of a healthy planet for future generations." The lawsuit specifically focuses on the meat company's net-zero commitment, arguing that it is unattainable due to the significant carbon emissions associated with beef production, including methane produced by the animals.
JBS USA, a major player in the meat industry with an annual revenue of nearly $80 billion, has faced longstanding criticism from environmental groups. The lawsuit sheds light on the company's climate goals and practices that environmentalists argue have contributed to deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. The accusations have prompted concerns not only within the environmental community but also among lawmakers, according to WSJ.
JBS USA's Environmental Commitments
The legal action comes amid JBS USA's plans for a listing on the New York Stock Exchange, with environmentalists opposing the move. The company's operations, processing over 200,000 cattle, 500,000 hogs, and 45 million chickens weekly, generate substantial revenue, with half of it coming from its US operations.
The lawsuit questions the feasibility of JBS USA's net-zero commitment, considering the emissions associated with beef production and alleged links to deforestation.
The state's lawsuit alleges violations of consumer protection laws and seeks fines of $5,000 per violation, along with the potential requirement for JBS USA to repay any profits derived from false sustainability claims. Additionally, the lawsuit aims to halt JBS USA's "Net Zero by 2040" campaign, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in environmental commitments.
The charges were met with a comment from a JBS representative who expressed disagreement with the charges and defended the company's commitment to a sustainable future for agriculture. It is expected that the court procedures would shed insight into the environmental impact of the meat business as well as the responsibilities that corporations carry in accordance with their commitments to sustainability and the promotion of such values, Independent reported.
Related Article: Joe Biden to Sign Executive Order Limiting Foreign Access to America's Highly Sensitive Data
