BRF Accused of Concealing Unsanitary Practices at its Meatpacking Plants

According to a recently filed class action complaint, BRF represented in its public filings that the company focuses on quality and food safety in order to prevent contamination and minimize the risk of outbreaks and animal diseases, noting its commitment to the manufacture of safe, healthy, and tasty products. BRF also emphasized that the company conducts its business in strict compliance with both national and international anti-bribery and anticorruption legislation. Despite these representations, BRF employees paid bribes to regulators and politicians to avoid inspections in order to conceal unsanitary practices at its plants. On March 17, 2017, media outlets reported that Brazilian federal police raided BRF offices, along with other meatpackers, and found that the companies were tampering with packages to sell expired products and were running plants with traces of salmonella. On March 5, 2018, Reuters reported that Brazilian federal police arrested BRF's former Chief Executive Officer, Pedro de Andrade Faria, on charges that he was aware that BRF committed fraud by trying to avoid food safety checks. Since news of BRF's troubles hit the market, BRF's ADR price fell over 40% to close at $7.59 on March 5, 2018.

BRF Shareholders Have Legal Options

If you would like more information about your rights and potential remedies, contact attorney Lauren Levi, at Llevi@robbinsllp.comor via the shareholder information form below.