September 26, 2024

 

Tyson Foods faces lawsuit over net-zero emissions claims

Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against US-based Tyson Foods, one of the largest meat producers in the world, accusing the company of misleading consumers with its claims of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Beef Central reported.

 

Tyson Foods, which accounts for about 20% of the beef, pork, and chicken production in the US, announced in 2021 its goal to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century. The company outlined plans to increase the use of renewable energy and eliminate deforestation from its supply chain as part of this commitment.

 

In 2023, Tyson also introduced its "climate-smart" beef programme, with a target of reducing emissions from beef production by 30% by 2030.

 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) announced last week that it is suing Tyson Foods, claiming the company is not taking "meaningful steps" to achieve its stated environmental goals. The lawsuit further argues that large-scale beef production cannot be considered "climate-smart" due to the significant emissions generated by industrial-scale cattle farming.

 

In addition to the EWG, the lawsuit is supported by other organisations, including Earthjustice, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Edelson PC, and FarmStand. These groups claim that Tyson and other large meatpackers are taking advantage of consumer interest in environmentally friendly products, while not providing a clear plan to reduce emissions from their beef, chicken, and pork production processes.

 

The lawsuit points to studies showing that consumers increasingly prioritise the environmental impact of the products they purchase, but often lack the means to verify the accuracy of companies' environmental claims. This, the lawsuit states, creates an environment conducive to corporate "greenwashing."

 

Tyson Foods has so far declined to comment on the specifics of the lawsuit. However, the company did release a statement emphasising its "long history of sustainable practices" and commitment to good stewardship of environmental resources.

 

Some media reports in the US have explained that companies aiming for net-zero emissions often use accounting frameworks that allow them to "offset" their own emissions through methods such as tree planting, carbon-removal technologies, or obtaining carbon credits by investing in projects that reduce emissions elsewhere.

 

The EWG lawsuit argues that such offsets would be "unfathomable and unavailable" in the case of Tyson Foods. The group is asking the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to prohibit the company from making what it describes as "false or misleading marketing claims."

 

This lawsuit comes after a similar case earlier this year, when New York Attorney General Letitia James sued JBS USA, another meat industry giant, accusing it of deceptive climate claims about achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. JBS responded at the time by disputing the allegations and affirming its commitment to working with farmers and other partners to reduce agriculture's environmental impact while continuing to feed a growing global population.

 

-      Beef Central