Deforestation meat on your plate: How Brazilian beef linked to deforestation is sold by catering wholesalers and supermarkets in The Netherlands

This report, a collaborative effort between World Animal Protection Netherlands and AidEnvironment, investigates direct links between Brazilian beef production linked to deforestation, and its presence in Dutch catering wholesalers and supermarkets. 

For this report, AidEnvironment and World Animal Protection registered labels of beef products at Dutch branches of wholesalers (Makro, Sligro and Hanos) and supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Lidl, Jumbo, Dekamarkt, Dirk, Aldi, Vomar and Plus). The investigation mapped the supply chain of selected beef products back to Brazilian cattle farms, with seven specific case studies highlighted in the report. 

Key findings: 

Lack of Transparency:

The report reveals a significant transparency gap. Dutch wholesalers and supermarkets often fail to provide clear information about the origin of their beef products. Providers typically deflect responsibility to producers, who in turn, do not disclose specific details or evidence about the meat’s origin.  

Regulatory Shortcomings:

Current labeling regulations fall short in informing consumers about the true origins of beef products. They do not align with the new EU regulation aimed at ensuring deforestation-free products. 

This report underscores the urgent need for enhanced transparency and more stringent regulations to ensure that the beef products sold in the Netherlands do not contribute to deforestation. It calls for immediate alignment with the EU’s new deforestation-free product standards to protect our global forests and promote sustainable practices.