Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) has sued Cargill, claiming the company misleads consumers by promoting its Honeysuckle White and Shady Brook Farms turkey products as environmentally friendly, and that the turkeys are treated humanely and raised by "independent family farmers."
The lawsuit alleges that Cargill is a major polluter employing industrial poultry practices that FACT describes as “inherently hazardous” and contribute to the growth of harmful antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The complaint also alleges that Cargill sources its turkey from facilities where birds are housed in unsanitary and overcrowded facilities. FACT also alleges that Cargill raises turkeys on large, industrial, corporate-controlled farms.
The action was filed Tuesday, Dec. 14, on behalf of FACT by Richman Law & Policy in D.C. Superior Court under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act. FACT is not asking the court for damages, but seeks to end Cargill's unlawful conduct directed at D.C. consumers.
"Cargill knows consumers care about buying poultry products that are produced sustainably and humanely. That's exactly why the company uses greenwashing techniques, claiming its 'independent' farmers are 'good stewards of the land' when in fact Cargill imposes unsustainable practices upon farmers," FACT Executive Director Harry Rhodes said in a press release.
FACT is a national nonprofit consumer group that promotes policies to hold industrial agribusinesses accountable for the harms they cause, advocates for environmental sustainability, and helps consumers make informed food choices by working to promote truth in advertising.
Cargill isn’t the only turkey producer to have groups allege their claims of humane treatment of animals were misleading.
Butterball was recently challenged by Animal Outlook via a complaint to the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs. NAD determined some phrases Butterball used were accurate, while it advised use of other terms be discontinued.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals recently filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), urging the agency to investigate Plainville Farms’ claims that its turkeys are humanely raised. The FTC has yet to announce any action related to the complaint.
Similar complaints were made against Diestel Family Ranch by Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), and a judge ruled in favor of Diestel Family Ranch.
