NY A/G Letitia James

Attorney General of New York State, Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against JBS USA Food Co. relating to unsupported claims relating to greenhouse gas emissions.

Ms. James stated, “As families continue to face the daily impacts of the climate crisis, they are willing to spend more of their hard-earned money on products from brands that are better for the environment.”  James bases her lawsuit on alleged false advertising expressing a commitment to sustainability that misleads consumers.

Last year JBS USA was criticized by the Better Business Bureau, National Advertising Division, Review Board.  The company was advised to discontinue claiming that the it is committed to be net zero by 2040 and claiming that animal products can be produced with net zero emissions.

In 2021 JBS Group the parent company of U.S. JBS subsidiaries reported 71 tons of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The New York lawsuit is intended to enjoin JBS from its Net-zero by 2040 advertising campaign and to subject the Company to fines for violations on misinformation.

JBS USA responded by noting disagreement with the lawsuit.  The company stated, “We take our commitment to a more sustainable future for agriculture very seriously.  JBS will continue to partner with farmers, ranchers and our food system partners around the world to help feed a growing population.”  Their statement did not directly address expressed claims or their substantiation.