Amazon Sued Over Alleged Seafood Greenwashing Claims

Amazon has been sued by consumers over allegations of greenwashing its seafood products. The lawsuit claims that Amazon misrepresents the environmental benefits of its seafood, using phrases such as 'dolphin safe,' 'responsibly sourced,' and 'sustainable' to make customers believe their purchases cause minimal harm to oceans and the environment.

The complaint alleges that these representations are unsubstantiated or materially false because most fishing vessels are not publicly tracked, and some vessels obscure their whereabouts by disabling electronic devices known as transponders. The lawsuit also states that at least one-fifth of imported wild-caught seafood is not responsibly or sustainably sourced.

The suit targets dozens of tuna, salmon, and other seafood products under brands including Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea, StarKist, and Amazon's own 365 by Whole Foods Market. The plaintiffs claim they would not have bought or paid less for their seafood had Amazon disclosed its 'true sustainable nature.'

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, and restitution for people in the United States for Amazon's alleged violations of Washington consumer protection laws.