During 2023, the Environmental Working Group submitted a petition to USDA to require meat producers from labeling product as “low carbon” or other claims of environmental sustainability including “carbon neutral” or “net zero”.

In rejecting the petition, the Food Safety and Inspection Service noted that the “low-carbon beef” label has not been approved and that the Agency will continue to evaluate environmental-related claims.  All label text must be truthful and in compliance with federal regulations.

The FSIS also denied the request for mandatory third-party verification of environmental label claims but does encourage third-party certification.