Chocolate Giant Lindt Sued in US Over Child Labor Allegations
According to a report by Reuters, a legal organization has filed a lawsuit against the Swiss confectionery manufacturer, claiming that it declares an ethical code and concern for human rights, but in practice profits from the exploitation of children in the cocoa supply chain. The company responded: "We reject the allegations."
Swiss chocolate company Lindt is facing a new lawsuit in the United States, alleging that the firm misleads its customers regarding the use of child labor in African countries, reports the Reuters news agency. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., accuses Lindt of misrepresentation.
The complaint alleges that while the company publicly declares its commitment to human rights and the eradication of child labor, it has been aware for over two decades that the cocoa it purchases is produced using child labor—and that it profits from it. The lawsuit states that a reasonable consumer does not expect a company that claims to conduct business in an ethical, legal, and responsible manner to rely on extensive child labor in its supply chain.
"Excellent policy on paper—zero implementation," the lawsuit claims.
According to the report, Lindt sources 100% of its cocoa beans from Ghana and imports its cocoa butter from Ivory Coast. The legal proceedings were initiated by the international legal organization International Rights Advocates, which has previously filed similar lawsuits against other chocolate giants, including Mars, Mondelez, and Nestle. The lawsuit does not seek financial compensation, but focuses on a request to order the cessation of what the plaintiffs term illegal conduct toward consumers in Washington.
Conversely, the Swiss company rejects the accusations. A spokesperson for Lindt told Reuters that the company strongly opposes and condemns all forms of child labor and rejects the allegations appearing in the lawsuit. On behalf of Lindt, it was further stated that the company operates strict protocols with its suppliers and systematically examines every suspicion of child labor. Furthermore, the company highlighted its sustainability program and risk-reduction goals, which are implemented in accordance with the certification standards of the Rainforest Alliance.
