What specific allegations are made against JBS and Cargill in Brazil's 'Chain Reaction' probe?

JBS NV and Cargill Agrícola SA are defendants in a public civil action brought by Brazil’s Public Prosecutor’s Office for Labor, which determined the companies systematically sourced supplies from vendors linked to slavery-like labor conditions. The probe, part of the 'Reação em Cadeia' (Chain Reaction) operation covering 2024–2026, found that JBS purchased cattle from farms on the Labor Ministry’s 'dirty list', leading to a lawsuit seeking 118.9 million reais in collective moral damages related to the rescue of 53 workers from its suppliers between 2014 and 2025; similarly, Cargill faces a lawsuit in Rondônia demanding 109 million reais in damages over human rights violations in its soy supply chain, with prosecutors calling for full traceability and eradication of abuses.

Why did JBS and Cargill face legal action instead of signing a conduct-adjustment agreement?

JBS and Cargill declined to sign a conduct-adjustment agreement that would have required stronger oversight of their supply chains, prompting prosecutors to file formal public civil actions against them; in contrast, nine other companies—including Gol Combustíveis SA—agreed to the terms and committed to stricter compliance measures, while authorities stated that additional companies remain under review and may either be found compliant or required to sign such agreements.

JBS, Cargill Cited in Brazil Probe Over Slave-Labor Links

Apr 29, 2026

Brazilian prosecutors filed civil actions against JBS and Cargill for sourcing supplies from vendors linked to slavery-like labor. The probe covers over 30 companies, tracing $9.6 billion in operations across agriculture and fuel supply chains.

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JBS, Cargill Cited in Brazil Probe Over Slave-Labor Links

JBS, Cargill Cited in Brazil Probe Over Slave-Labor Links

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