Amazon Accused of 'Greenwashing' Seafood Products in Proposed Class-Action Lawsuit

A proposed class-action lawsuit accuses Amazon of 'greenwashing' its seafood products by falsely marketing them as sustainable. The suit targets dozens of tuna, salmon, and other seafood products sold under brands including Chicken of the Sea, Bumble Bee, StarKist, and 365 by Whole Foods.

The complaint alleges that Amazon uses the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) seal to make its products appear more sustainable than they are. However, the MSC operates a 'pay-for-play' certification model, in which fisheries can pay auditors for approval, according to the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs claim that Amazon's marketing practices deceive consumers into paying an economic premium for sustainability promises that are not delivered. They also allege that Amazon obscured how little of the fishing industry is verifiable, citing a 2024 Nature study that found transponders on fishing vessels were often turned off to obscure their activities.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, restitution, and an order barring Amazon from continuing to market its seafood products as sustainable without disclosing limitations. The case has raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the seafood industry and the potential for 'greenwashing' practices among companies.