New York suing major beef producer over environmental impact of products

New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) is suing JBS Foods, a major beef producer, accusing the company of misleading the public about the environmental impact of its products.

“The beef industry is one of the largest contributors to climate change, and JBS has falsely advertised its commitment to sustainability and endangered our planet,” James posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

James’s office filed the lawsuit Wednesday against JBS USA, the U.S. division of the Brazilian meatpacking giant, which is the world’s largest producer of beef products. The lawsuit argues that the company has misled the public about its climate goals.

“JBS USA has claimed that it will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, despite documented plans to increase production, and therefore increase its carbon footprint,” James’s office said in a press release.

The attorney general’s office noted that animal agriculture accounts for nearly 15 percent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions while beef production emits the most of any major food commodity. Beef production is also the driving force behind deforestation of the world’s tropical forests, the release said.

JBS reported total global greenhouse gas emissions of more than 71 million tons in 2021, which is more than some countries emitted that year, James’s office said.

“When companies falsely advertise their commitment to sustainability, they are misleading consumers and endangering our planet,” James said in a statement. “JBS USA’s greenwashing exploits the pocketbooks of everyday Americans and the promise of a healthy planet for future generations. My office will always ensure that companies do not abuse the environment and the trust of hardworking consumers for profit.”

JBS said in an emailed statement that it “takes its commitment to a more sustainable future” very seriously.

“We disagree with the action taken today by the New York Attorney General’s office. JBS will continue to partner with farmers, ranchers and our food system partners around the world to help feed a growing population while using fewer resources and reducing agriculture’s environmental impact,” the company said in the statement. “Our belief that American agriculture can help sustainable feed the world is undeterred.”

Part of James’s lawsuit focuses on pledges made by JBS USA to curb deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions going back to 2015 and as recently as this month, saying its website “still boasts” the claim that it will be net zero in 2040.

James has accused the company of deceptive business practices and alleges it has used misleading statements when targeting consumers.

The company previously received a warning from the BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division, which determined the company’s evidence did not support its claims of reaching net zero and recommended JBS USA stop making the claims.

James is asking the court to require JBS USA to end its “Net Zero by 2040” advertising campaign and conduct a third-party audit of its compliance with New York statutes and “pay disgorgement of all ill-gotten gains earned by misleading the public.”

–Updated on Feb. 29 at 1:26 p.m.