Key facts
- Amazon is being sued by consumers for allegedly misrepresenting the sustainability of seafood sold on its platform.
- The lawsuit claims that labels like 'dolphin safe' and 'sustainable' are unsubstantiated or false.
- Consumers allege that many fishing vessels are not tracked and some disable their transponders.
- The suit targets seafood products from brands including Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea, StarKist, and Amazon's own 365 by Whole Foods Market.
- Plaintiffs seek damages for alleged violations of Washington consumer protection laws.
Amazon.com Inc. is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit from consumers who allege the e-commerce giant has engaged in greenwashing by misrepresenting the environmental benefits of seafood sold on its platform. Filed on Friday in Seattle federal court, the lawsuit claims that labels such as "dolphin safe," "responsibly sourced," and "sustainable" misled consumers into believing the seafood caused minimal harm to oceans and the environment.
The consumers contend these representations are unsubstantiated or false, citing that many fishing vessels are not publicly tracked and some disable their electronic transponders. They also state that at least one-fifth of imported wild-caught seafood is not responsibly or sustainably sourced.
The complaint asserts that Amazon markets these products with broad sustainability messaging without providing necessary disclosures to prevent consumer deception. The lawsuit targets numerous tuna, salmon, and other seafood products from brands including Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea, StarKist, and Amazon's own 365 by Whole Foods Market.
Plaintiffs Madeleine Rogow of Los Angeles and Adam Sorkin of Chicago stated they would not have purchased the seafood, or would have paid less, had Amazon disclosed its "true sustainable nature." The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as restitution, for consumers in the United States, alleging violations of Washington consumer protection laws. The parent companies of Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea, and StarKist are not named as defendants.