"Some of its biggest players, like Bumble Bee Foods, Chicken of the Sea, and StarKist, have been caught up in some pretty big legal issues. We're talking about everything from price fixing to false advertising to a lack of transparency around toxins. One ongoing case even accuses a canned fish giant of turning a blind eye to some serious human rights abuses."
"In March 2025, a group of Indonesian fishers filed a first-of-its-kind human trafficking lawsuit against Bumble Bee Foods, alleging that the American canned fish giant is pretending not to know how bad the conditions are on its boats. The fishers, who claim they are victims of forced labor and human trafficking, say they have faced life-threatening injuries, physical violence, emotional abuse, and lack of payment, among other allegations, all while sourcing fish for Bumble Bee Foods."
Global seafood consumption is rising and the seafood market is projected to surpass $724 billion by 2034, with canned fish experiencing notable growth. Major canned-fish brands such as Bumble Bee Foods, Chicken of the Sea, and StarKist have encountered significant legal challenges. Allegations span price fixing, false advertising, and inadequate transparency about toxins. Commercial fishing often involves months at sea, hazardous working conditions, and exposure to violence and exploitation, increasing workers' vulnerability. A group of Indonesian fishers filed a human trafficking lawsuit against Bumble Bee Foods, alleging forced labor, violence, and withheld wages, while Bumble Bee denies knowingly benefiting from forced labor.
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