Dole has hit back at allegations levelled at it in a film produced by Consumers International and Guardian Films on the Costa Rican pineapple trade.
The film and report published in The Guardian alleged that the use of banned pesticides, poor wages and hostility towards unions were rife in the Central American country. A number of companies were mentioned in the report.
The fruit giant responded by claiming that specific allegations relating to “chemical dumps”, suppliers and working hours among others were all based on misinformation.
The report also alleged the use of paraquat. Dole told Eurofruit: “The journalist is saying that ‘some of the plantations have used paraquat’. In 2008, Dole was among the first pineapple companies to discontinue both the use of paraquat and fire burning of crop residues in its agricultural operations worldwide, both in company-owned farms and in those farms owned by contract growers who receive technical support from Dole.”
Catherine Nicholson of Consumers International told freshinfo: “The positions of the multinationals were taken into consideration when making the film, and we will continue to talk with those companies willing to engage in constructive dialogue. That will be vital to bringing about positive change. We hope the film will raise awareness of the conditions and provoke debate within the industry, and amongst consumers. Of course consumers want low prices, but not at any cost.
“We hope that the film and the debate will encourage industry to take seriously the need to do much more to ensure fair working conditions and mitigate environmental impact.”
No comments yet