On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 20:06:17 -0500, J Kolenovsky
wrote:

I was never sold on cocoa bean mulch from the beginning.

Got a cat that eats fruitcake and drinks mocha frappucino.

JK


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.