New York sues meatpacking giant JBS over climate claims

Pilgrims Pride

28/02/2024 20:02

By Jonathan Stempel
       NEW YORK, Feb 28 (Reuters) - JBS  JBSS3.SA , the world's
largest beef producer, was sued on Wednesday by New York state's
attorney general, which accused it of misleading the public
about its impact on the environment in order to boost sales.
    Attorney General Letitia James said JBS USA Food Co, the
Brazilian company's American-based unit, has "no viable plan" to
reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, making its
stated commitment to achieving that goal false and misleading.
    James said JBS has admitted its "Net Zero by 2040"
commitment did not incorporate the vast majority of greenhouse
gas emissions from its supply chain, including from
deforestation in the Amazon.
    She also said reaching the goal was "infeasible" given JBS'
plan to increase production and therefore its carbon footprint,
on top of greenhouse gas emissions that had by 2021 exceeded
those of the entire country of Ireland.
    "Families  are  willing to spend more of their hard-earned
money on products from brands that are better for the
environment," 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."
    The lawsuit filed in a New York state court in Manhattan
seeks a $5,000 civil fine per violation of state business laws,
and to recoup ill-gotten gains from false sustainability claims.
    JBS's businesses include Pilgrim's Pride  PPC.O , one of the
largest U.S. chicken producers.
    In a statement, JBS said it disagreed with the lawsuit. It
also pledged to continue partnering with farmers, ranchers and
others toward a "more sustainable future for agriculture" that
uses fewer resources and reduces its environmental impact.
    The company generated about $53.5 billion of revenue in the
first nine months of 2023, about 59% of which came from North
America and Central America.
    JBS shares trade in Brazil. The company has been seeking to
list its shares in the United States. 

 (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Chizu
Nomiyama)
 ((jon.stempel@thomsonreuters.com; +1 646 223 6317; Reuters
Messaging: jon.stempel.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))