‘Brands to avoid’: Mars and Cadbury among chocolate firms criticised in ethics report
Leading chocolate brands have faced criticism for failing to meet ethical standards in their cocoa supply chains. Only 17 out of 82 companies investigated by Ethical Consumer were found to use suppliers that paid cocoa farmers enough to live on, raising concerns about child labor. Ethical Consumer recommended brands such as Tony’s Chocolonely, Divine, and Chocolat Madagascar for their fair trade practices. Mars, Nestlé, and Mondelēz were rated poorly. The report also highlighted issues with tax conduct, use of palm oil, deforestation, and packaging. Improved conditions for cocoa farmers require action from industry, governments, and consumers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which chocolate brands were recently criticised for their ethical standards?
A: Mars and Cadbury were among the chocolate firms criticised for having "inadequate" ethical standards in their cocoa supply chain according to a recent report. The Guardian
Q: What are the main ethical concerns regarding chocolate brands like Mars and Cadbury?
A: The main concerns include the use of child labor and child slavery in their cocoa supply chains, particularly in West Africa and Brazil. The Guardian, The Washington Post
Q: Have Mars, Cadbury, and other chocolate companies faced legal action due to these ethical issues?
A: Yes, companies like Mars, Nestlé, and Hershey have faced a landmark child slavery lawsuit in the US brought by former child workers in Ivory Coast. The Guardian
Q: Has there been any pledge by chocolate companies to end child labor?
A: Nearly 20 years ago, the cocoa industry's biggest companies pledged to eradicate the "worst forms" of child labor in their supply chains, but they have since been criticised for breaking these pledges. The Washington Post
Q: What steps are chocolate companies taking to address palm oil sourcing issues?
A: Companies like Nestle, Cadbury, and Mars have made efforts to source certified palm oil, aiming to address ethical and sustainability concerns. The Guardian
Q: How widespread is the problem of child labor in the chocolate industry?
A: The problem is quite widespread, affecting not only large companies such as Hershey's, Mars, and Nestlé, but also many small chocolate companies, particularly those sourcing cocoa from Western Africa and Brazil. Food is Power
Q: What is an ethical concern highlighted in a report on Mars and Cadbury?
A: A report has highlighted Mars and Cadbury as "brands to avoid" due to insufficient ethics in their operations, which presumably includes issues like child labor. Ground News