New York beefs with meat packer
World’s largest producer lies about climate impact to boost value, state says
By Forrest J.H.
Over 51 million pounds of American-processed meat from one company will be eaten today.
New York’s top lawyer says that company is “greenwashing” massive environmental damage.
New York Attorney General Leticia James filed a lawsuit against the American branch of JBS Foods, the world’s largest meat processor, alleging the company’s rosy propaganda about its environmental impact cannot stand true alongside its increases in production.
Responding to news of the lawsuit, an unnamed JBS spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal the company takes its commitment to sustainability seriously but not go into much further detail. The company does not appear to have published an official statement on the lawsuit at the time of this writing.
The New York lawsuit takes particular aim at the company’s claim it can achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and end deforestation in its supply chain by 2035. JBS has created “no viable plan to meet its commitment,” according to the lawsuit.
The meat packer’s sustainability promises almost certainly have some financial motivations too, as Sao Paolo-based JBS seeks a rare dual listing on both the Brazilian and American stock exchanges. Consumers in recent years have expressed they gravitate toward products they view as environmentally friendly. JBS stands to make a lot of money if it can convince consumers to choose its products. About half of the company’s roughly $72 billion in revenue in 2022 came from American buyers.
Headquartered in Greeley, Colo., JBS USA employs about 66,000 workers to process mostly beef, pork and poultry products for sale to over 100 countries around the world.
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This article’s ingredients
Attorney General James Sues World’s Largest Beef Producer for Misrepresenting Environmental Impact of Their Products
February 28, 2024
New York State Attorney General press releases
https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/court-filings/jbs-complaint.pdf
New York Attorney General Sues Meatpacker JBS Over Climate Claims
By Patrick Thomas
The Wall Street Journal
February 29, 2024
‘Dual’ listing for giant meat company delayed until later in 2024
By Dan Flynn
Food Safety News
February 27, 2024
JBS Food Group
