Snapshot box

In March 2025, the NGOs BLOOM and Foodwatch filed a civil lawsuit against Carrefour before a tribunal in Paris, France. The case alleges violations by Carrefour of the French duty of vigilance law due to environmental harm, health risks, and potential human rights abuses in its tuna supply chain, particularly mercury contamination in canned tuna, the use of destructive fishing methods, and lack of transparency around labour practices at sea. The plaintiffs argue that Carrefour’s vigilance plan is inadequate and excludes a large portion of its tuna sales. Carrefour contends that it complies with all applicable laws and that its due diligence plan is appropriate.
The case, BLOOM & Foodwatch v. Carrefour, is ongoing.

Factual Background

BLOOM and Foodwatch began investigating Carrefour’s tuna supply chain after identifying serious risks allegedly linked to mercury contamination, and labour abuses on fishing vessels. They sent a formal notice to Carrefour in November 2023 and again in April 2024, requesting improvements to its vigilance plan. Despite these warnings, Carrefour’s adjustments were deemed insufficient by the NGOs, particularly as its vigilance efforts were only focused on their own-brand tuna, excluding most national brands.

Legal Argument

BLOOM and Foodwatch asked a Paris Tribunal to order Carrefour to revise and expand its vigilance plan, covering all tuna products it sells, including national brands, not just its own brand tuna. The NGOs want to ensure Carrefour’s supply chain is free from human rights abuses, including forced labour and violence aboard fishing vessels. Lastly, they requested Carrefour to pay daily financial penalties (astreintes) if Carrefour fails to comply with the court's orders.

Carrefour denies any violation, asserting its due diligence policies comply with the law. The company maintains it monitors and improves supply chain practices. Carrefour argues its vigilance plan adequately addresses identified risks and affirms it follows industry standards.

Legal Proceeding

In November 2023, BLOOM issued the first formal notice (mise en demeure) to Carrefour under the French Duty of Vigilance Law, highlighting alleged failures in its tuna supply chain, specifically destructive fishing, mercury contamination, and human rights abuses.

In April 2024, BLOOM, joined by Foodwatch, sent a second formal notice, reaffirming their demands and expressing dissatisfaction with the company’s insufficient corrective actions.

In March 2025, after two years of unsuccessful dialogue, BLOOM and Foodwatch filed their official lawsuit before a Paris Tribunal, accusing Carrefour of allegedly failing to fulfill its obligations under the French Duty of Vigilance Law in its tuna operations.

As of July 2025, the case remains active with ruling yet announced.

News Items

Bloom and Foodwatch take Carrefour to court, Bloomassociation.org, 17 March 2025