Fast food company, Burger King, released a new commercial today that addressed its commitment to improving the environmental impact of beef.
In a tweet the chain said, “cow farts & burps are no laughing matter. they release methane, contributing to climate change. that’s why we’re working to change our cows’ diet by adding lemongrass to reduce their emissions by approximately 33% [sic]”
cow farts & burps are no laughing matter. they release methane, contributing to climate change. that’s why we’re working to change our cows’ diet by adding lemongrass to reduce their emissions by approximately 33%. learn about our ongoing study: https://t.co/kPCXpjfbGL #CowsMenu pic.twitter.com/DnmF8gVVL0
— Burger King (@BurgerKing) July 14, 2020
The new ad has not been well received by members of the Ag community, with many citing inaccurate science used to calculate the impact of livestock emissions.
@BurgerKing has officially made the WORST restaurant anti-science, anti-farmer marketing I've seen in a while. The new Chipotle? 😡
— Farm Babe (@thefarmbabe) July 14, 2020
Its rare I get this fired up but they deserve extreme pushback on this.
Remember that time BudLight pissed on farmers?
Let em have it, #agtwitter. pic.twitter.com/3HtCOT0cLC
A&W : Hey marketing team we've managed to alienate and insult beef producers with our tactics....can we take this to another level?
— Jay (@farmerjayp) July 14, 2020
Burger King : Hold my beer!!#westcdnag #AgTwitter #farm #ranch #ableg #cdnpoli https://t.co/SqHZ8ahYad
Excellent production smearing agriculture, using tired stereotypes of cowboy hats and Roy Rogers era, discussing beef and using a dairy cow image. Your agency should be fired. Your Ad department disbanded. Sad this is how you perceive the world outside the Corp HQ. #AgTwitter
— Rodger🎄🦌🚜 🦃 (@GOBBLERODGER) July 14, 2020
Agriculture relating to farming and animals makes up for only 9% of global emissions. The energy sector makes up for 2/3 of total carbon emissions, what are you doing to supply clean energy for your restaurants? Source:https://t.co/kQ8MuphwKa ALSO cattle aren’t only used for food pic.twitter.com/a1aE5mmGm3
— Cowsquirrel (@EmmalyElizabeth) July 14, 2020
Desperate businesses continue to malign the cattle industry, spread vegan propaganda & hurt the farmers that make their businesses possible. I am disappointed @BurgerKing decided to attack farmers and not improve their own sustainability practices within their distribution chain
— Farrah (@gadairygirl) July 14, 2020
Burger King has yet to respond to the backlash.