U.S. Group Calls for Action Against Slavery in Brazilian Coffee Supply Chain

A watchdog group has petitioned U.S. authorities to block the import of coffee from Brazil, claiming production involves forced labor comparable to slavery. Legal actions against Starbucks and other major coffee brands have raised significant concerns about the ethical sourcing of coffee beans.

A watchdog non-profit organization has taken aim at major American coffee retailers, urging the U.S. government to halt coffee imports from Brazil, which is renowned as the largest coffee producer globally. The petition, initiated by Coffee Watch, highlights accusations of forced labor conditions likened to slavery. The appeal to Customs and Border Protection specifically targets retail giants such as Starbucks, Nestle, Dunkin’, and others, suggesting that their coffee supplies might involve questionable labor practices.

“This isn’t just an isolated concern but rather an extensive network embroiling millions in severe poverty and thousands in conditions akin to slavery,” stated Etelle Higonnet, Founder of Coffee Watch. The petition follows closely on the heels of a separate lawsuit filed by International Rights Advocates against Starbucks, alleging that the coffee giant has benefited from workers trafficked and forced to labor under conditions described as ‘slavery-like.’

Human rights attorney Terry Collingsworth, who is leading the lawsuit, contended that there exists a rampant system of human trafficking and forced labor in Brazil that needs serious accountability from corporations like Starbucks. The lawsuit reportedly aims to serve as a class action for thousands of workers affected by exploitative labor practices within the Brazilian coffee supply chain.

With these serious allegations surfacing, the implications for major coffee retailers could be substantial, challenging their practices of sourcing and prompting a reevaluation of labor conditions associated with the coffee industry in Brazil.