Food manufacturers admit they have failed to put in place basic safeguards to protect vulnerable workers. Apart from the misery this may cause or mask, they also thereby risk breaching laws on slavery, child labour and unethical working practices
A survey of 42 large, global food manufacturers has found that many admit they have failed to put in place basic safeguards to protect vulnerable workers.
Almost one in five (19%) of large food manufacturers surveyed admitted they did not have a way of finding out even the name and address of suppliers in their supply chain – a basic first step for identifying and ending abuses. More than half of large firms (53%) admitted they did not have a plan in place to find out in the future who is in their supply chain.
Further, more than one in 10 food companies admitted they do not put in place corporate standards which suppliers must adhere to, on issues such as ethics, and health and safety. As a result, 40% of food manufacturers believe it is ‘likely or very likely’ they will be exposed to mounting legislation; and almost a third say it they are ‘likely or very likely’ exposed to reputational damage, according to BusinessWire. The survey was commissioned by Achilles, a company that helps companies manage supply chain 'risk'.
Find out more about Sustain's definition of sustainable food supply chains here.
Published Friday 19 February 2016
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
