JBS USA Hit with $1.1M for Greenwashing Claims

New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced a $1.1 million settlement with JBS USA Food Company and JBS USA Food Company Holdings, after an investigation revealed the company’s unsubstantiated claims of reducing carbon footprint. The settlement will support climate-smart agriculture initiatives aimed at New York farmers.

In 2024, the Attorney General’s Office (OAG) found that JBS USA was advertising a ‘net zero’ greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2040 without any viable plan to achieve it. Despite warnings from the BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division, JBS USA continued to make false claims.

JBS USA’s advertisements included misleading statements such as: ‘Bacon, chicken wings, and steak with net-zero emissions. It’s possible.’ and ‘JBS will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions, reducing its direct and indirect emissions and offsetting all residual emissions.’

Attorney General James accused JBS USA of greenwashing and exploiting consumers’ desire for environmentally friendly choices. The investigation revealed that JBS USA had no calculated total greenhouse gas emissions nor a plan to execute the ‘net zero’ commitment.

New York’s beef production contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, with the JBS Group reporting over 71 million tons in 2021. The $1.1 million settlement will fund initiatives that help New York farmers reduce their own carbon footprints.

“New Yorkers deserve the truth when it comes to the environmental impact of the products they buy,” said Attorney General James. “My office will always hold companies accountable when they mislead New Yorkers and harm our planet.”

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