Statement on slavery and chocolate production

Because of the way the chocolate industry buys its cocoa it is not possible to ensure that slave or other forms of illegal exploitation have not been used in its production. To change this companies need either to purchase direct from plantations where they can ensure the growers implement core international labour standards, particularly those banning forced labour and illegal child labour. If they continue to purchase via the international cocoa exchange or other middlemen they must work with cocoa producing countries, such as Côte d'Ivoire, to ensure that the international labour standards are enforced throughout the countries.

In the absence of industry action, the only way consumers can be confident that the produce they use is free from exploited labour is by buying products which carry a fair trade label.