Multinational coffee chain Starbucks has been sued by a consumer advocacy group for touting its commitment to ethical sourcing while allegedly… It sources coffee and tea from farms where labor and human rights violations occur.
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The false advertising complaint, according to NBC News, was filed in a Washington, D.C., court by LNational Consumers AssociationOn behalf of American consumers.
“In every bag of coffee and box of K-cups (pods) that Starbucks sells, Starbucks declares its commitment to 100% ethical sourcing (…) but it is abundantly clear that there are significant labor and human rights violations throughout the supply.” supply chain”said Sally Greenberg, the organization's executive director.
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The lawsuit against the world's largest coffee brand cites reports of labor and human rights abuses on coffee and tea plantations in Guatemala, Kenya and Brazil, and alleges that Starbucks has continued to buy from these suppliers despite documented abuses.
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Starbucks replied
In this regard, a Starbucks spokesperson stated, in statements to NBC News before filing the lawsuit, that the company takes these accusations into account. “Very dangerous” They confirmed that they were “actively involved” With farms to ensure they meet standards.
“Every supply chain must be re-verified periodically, and we remain committed to working with our trading partners to meet the expectations detailed in our Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”He explained, citing the EFE agency.
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Greenberg explained that the lawsuit aims to prevent Starbucks from making claims in its ads such as ““Committed to sourcing 100% ethical coffee.”Unless the company improves working practices within its supply chain.
Starbucks uses third-party certification programs to ensure the integrity of its tea, cocoa, and coffee supply chains. Although the National Consumers League and other organizations question its effectiveness.
Constanza Gomez Guasca
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With information from EFE
