Audio By Carbonatix
Oscar-winning actor George Clooney says Nespresso still has "work to do" after an investigation claimed to uncover child labor at six of its suppliers in Guatemala.
The 58-year-old star, who has been the company’s brand ambassador since 2006, said he was “surprised and saddened” by allegations made in an upcoming episode of the UK documentary series “Dispatches” for Channel 4.
Journalist Anthony Barnett was given access to farms in Guatemala, which is the world’s 10th largest coffee producer. Footage obtained appeared to show children working for up to six days a week picking beans on plantations and moving heavy loads.
The documentary is set to air on Monday.
Addressing the investigation’s findings in a statement sent to CNN, Clooney, who is a member of Nespresso’s sustainability advisory board, said: “We knew it was a big project when it started 7 years ago, and honestly, I was surprised and saddened to see this story. Clearly this board and this company still have work to do. And that work will be done.”
He went on to say that he hoped Barnett, the Channel 4 reporter, “will continue to investigate these conditions and report accurately if they do not improve.”
Clooney signed off by reiterating that “the check and balance of good corporate responsibility lies not just with the company itself but also independent journalists like Mr. Barnett to hold everyone’s promise to account.”
Nespresso, which is a unit of Swiss food giant Nestlé, told CNN in a statement that it has “zero tolerance of child labor” and has launched a “thorough investigation” to identify the farms at the center of the allegations.
The company said it has stopped purchases of coffee from all farms in the region until they are able to guarantee child labor is not being used.
Nespresso said “any issues uncovered will be dealt with diligently and firm action will be taken. We will also double the number of agronomists that we have on the ground in the region and we will implement unannounced visits to check on compliance on social and labour issues.”
It added that it works alongside NGOs like the Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade International “to reinforce good working practices and fair treatment of workers, including education on the risks of child labour. “
Han de Groot, CEO of the Rainforest Alliance said: “Our partnership with Nespresso, which reaches back more than 17 years, is focused on producing high-quality coffee while also improving farmers’ livelihoods and the wellbeing of their families, workers and communities.”
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
NPA commends SSNIT for Telehealth Service initiative
11 minutes -
Nurses and Midwives Union condemns assault on midwife at Tema Community 22 Polyclinic
48 minutes -
FoSCel founder urges free genotype screening for Ghanaian youth
49 minutes -
Savelugu drug lord jailed three years for tramadol offences, faces further drug charges
50 minutes -
Nearly 50 people die of thirst in Sahara desert after lorry breaks down
52 minutes -
UPSA management pays courtesy call on Duncan-Williams ahead of 60th anniversary thanksgiving service
53 minutes -
Tampuli donates medical equipment, staff accommodation to four health facilities in Gushegu
53 minutes -
Accra floods: “I jumped through the window” — 14-year-old girl loses all in deluge
1 hour -
Stars pay tribute to ‘visionary’ Mobo Awards founder Kanya King
1 hour -
Upper West launches Tree for Life initiative to fight desertification
1 hour -
Astronauts return to ISS after sheltering during air leak repair attempt
1 hour -
Teen rapists spared jail partly because of intellectual limitations, judge’s full remarks show
1 hour -
Fury in France after child murder suspect’s criminal record released
1 hour -
US Senate approves $70bn for Trump immigration agencies
1 hour -
KATH CEO suspended over emergency admissions announcement
2 hours