Amazon Sued Over 'Dolphin Safe' and 'Sustainable' Seafood Labels

Amazon is facing a class-action lawsuit over its use of 'dolphin safe' and 'sustainable' labels on seafood products sold through its online platform and stores. The plaintiffs, Madeleine Rogow of Los Angeles and Adam Sorkin of Chicago, claim that Amazon's marketing did not provide sufficient information for consumers to verify the environmental benefits of the products.

The lawsuit argues that Amazon's use of broad environmental language, such as 'responsibly sourced' and 'wild caught,' misled shoppers into believing that the seafood had been sourced with fewer environmental consequences than it actually was. The plaintiffs claim that at least one-fifth of imported wild-caught seafood is not responsibly or sustainably sourced.

The case challenges Amazon's use of certifications such as MSC Certified Sustainable Seafood, which may not provide a complete picture of the products' environmental impact. The lawsuit also questions whether retailers should provide clearer information when using environmental claims and whether broad messaging without adequate disclosures can lead shoppers to believe that seafood was sourced with fewer environmental consequences than it actually was.