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Nestlé, the largest food company and chocolate manufacturer in the world, continues to ignore the social responsibilities that go along with its position. Through a subsidiary in the Ivory Coast, a nation producing over 40 percent of the world's cocoa, Nestlé takes full advantage of the poverty conditions suffered by local farmers and exploits child labor.

In 2001 Nestlé signed on to an industry protocol to eradicate the worst types of child labor on cocoa farms, but the July 2005 deadline set by that agreement has come and gone without noticeable change in the way Nestlé does business in West Africa. The company still refuses to treat workers with respect, which is necessary to certify products as Fair Trade. The Fair Trade Federation guarantees products that are labeled Fair Trade are sold at a fair price, are produced in an environmentally sustainable way, and are not made through abusive child labor.

You can tell Nestlé to get on board with Fair Trade chocolate by writing a letter to CEO and Chairman Brad Alford at: Nestlé USA, 800 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91203. Or give them a call at 818-549-6000. To learn more about Fair Trade go to www.fairtradefederation.org.

Expiration Date:
Fri, 03/31/2006 - 6:00pm