Should these companies be held accountable for slavery in the Congo?

[OJ006]

We buy a lot of products and food from all over the world. Especially in our own backyard. This report finds that Nestle and Hershey's and other companies have been using child slavery as form of Labor Force to get the cocoa beans for the chocolates and other resources. I asked you the court of public opinion, should these companies be held accountable for their actions? These people in the Congo are are brothers and sisters. Should we continue to buy these products in the name of colonial power? Remember ladies and gentlemen slavery never ended. I leave it to you.

[KrisF]

I'd say they should face consequences. Not only is it their job to understand their supply chain and ensure child labour laws aren't being broken, but they would of gone through some type of process to vet their potential suppliers.

However, rather than a temporary ban it's probably best for us to just form/support 1) our own refined chocolate brand and/or 2) our own healthy food brands. I say that as they'll probably just keep trying to find loop holes or to circle back at a later stage.

[OJ006]

Thank you for your response. That's correct there always trying to find loop holes. We need to be all responsible in finding ethical responsible companies to buy products that don't abuse African or any other Country.

[KrisF]

I took a moment to look around and below are some links to help people find some alternatives depending on where they are based and what they like. But naturally below is not a comprehensive list and any readers are encouraged to do their own research on top of this.

https://travelnoire.com/black-owned-chocolate-companies
https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holi...anies/?slide=1
https://webuyblack.com/blog/black-ch...n-investments/

[OJ006]

Thank you for sharing this.