The destructive meat giant behind your weekly grocery shop

Chances are, if you shop at major retailers, you might be unknowingly supporting JBS, the world’s largest meat producer and one of the biggest contributors to animal suffering, environmental destruction, and climate change. 

JBS, a Brazilian multinational corporation, is a powerhouse in the global meat industry. It supplies beef, chicken, and pork to some of the biggest supermarket chains and fast-food brands worldwide. From Tesco and Sainsbury’s to McDonald’s and Burger King, JBS products are everywhere. But while its name might not be on the packaging, its impact is impossible to ignore. 

The devastating impact of JBS 

JBS isn’t just another meat company. It’s a driving force behind some of the most pressing global crises: 

• Amazon deforestation: JBS has been repeatedly linked to illegal deforestation in the Amazon. Cattle ranching is the number one cause of deforestation, and JBS is one of the worst offenders. A report by Greenpeace found that JBS sources cattle from illegally deforested areas, contributing to habitat destruction and climate change. 

• Animal suffering: Factory farming is at the core of JBS’s operations. Chickens crammed into sheds, pigs confined in metal crates, and cows suffering on overcrowded feedlots—this is the reality behind their supply chain. The company has faced multiple scandals, from using brutal slaughterhouse methods to ignoring basic welfare standards. 

• Human rights violations: Workers at JBS plants have spoken out about horrific conditions, including exploitation, low wages, and lack of safety protections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, JBS was responsible for multiple outbreaks due to unsafe working environments, putting lives at risk. 

Why is JBS so unknown? 

JBS operates behind a web of suppliers, brands, and retailers, making it difficult for consumers to trace their purchases back to the company. Many supermarkets fail to disclose where their meat comes from, leaving shoppers unaware that their choices may be fuelling environmental destruction and animal cruelty. 

What you can do 

Now that you know the truth about JBS, you can take action: 

❌ Avoid buying JBS-linked meat: Look for plant-based alternatives or higher-welfare, locally sourced meat. 

❌ Share this story with your contacts: The more people are aware, the more chances we have to put an end to the devastating  

❌ Support animal protection initiatives: World Animal Protection is working to expose the dark side of factory farming and push for stronger regulations to protect animals and the planet. 

JBS is profiting at the expense of animals, people, and the environment. By making informed choices, you can help disrupt this destructive industry and move the world to protect animals. Let’s demand better—for animals, for people, and for our planet.