Suit: There's 'Widespread' Child Labor in Chocolatier's Ranks

Lindt is facing a lawsuit that accuses the Swiss chocolatier of saying one thing about child labor and doing another. A complaint filed in DC federal court claims the company has long known that cocoa used in its products from Ghana and Ivory Coast is tied to child labor, even as it promotes itself as committed to human rights and ethical sourcing, per Reuters. The suit, brought by public interest law firm International Rights Advocates, argues that ordinary shoppers wouldn't expect a brand that highlights its respect for human rights to rely on what it calls "widespread" child labor in its cocoa supply chain.

"Lindt has promised the public that it is working to end this abusive practice," the suit reads, per Bloomberg. "But in reality, Lindt continues to profit from child labor while doing little to prevent it." Lindt, which says it sources all of its consumer cocoa beans from Ghana and cocoa butter from Ivory Coast, denies the allegations. A spokesperson said the company "strongly condemns all forms of child labor," citing supplier protocols, investigations of suspected cases, and a 2030 "Sustainability Plan" that includes support for West African farmers. The company also points to a "Modern Slavery Statement" and use of Rainforest Alliance certification. The lawsuit, which doesn't seek monetary damages, instead asks the court to halt what it describes as misleading conduct toward DC consumers.