Achilles: voedselproducenten lopen ethische risico’s door ‘verborgen’ toeleveranciers

In totaal gaf bijna één op de vijf (19 procent) grote voedselproducenten toe de naam en het adres van toeleveranciers in de distributieketen niet te kunnen achterhalen – toch een cruciale eerste stap om misstanden te ontdekken en te beëindigen. Meer dan de helft van de grote bedrijven (53 procent) gaf toe geen plannen te hebben om in de toekomst uit te zoeken wie in de distributieketen zit.

Verder gaf meer dan één op de tien (12 procent) voedselbedrijven toe toeleveranciers geen regels op te leggen op het gebied van ethiek, gezondheid en veiligheid. Dit blijkt uit een onderzoek onder 42 grote voedselproducenten uit het Verenigd Koninkrijk, de Verenigde Staten, Spanje, Brazilië, Azië, Zuid-Afrika en het Midden-Oosten. Het onderzoek is in opdracht van Achilles uitgevoerd door het onafhankelijke onderzoeksbureau IFFF. Achilles is een internationaal bedrijf in risicobeheersing binnen de distributieketen.

Deze bekendmaking is officieel geldend in de originele brontaal. Vertalingen zijn slechts als leeshulp bedoeld en moeten worden vergeleken met de tekst in de brontaal, welke als enige rechtsgeldig is.

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Food manufacturers across the globe have admitted failing to put in place basic safeguards to protect vulnerable workers in their supply chains – almost one year on from laws to stop slavery, child labour and unethical working practices.

In total, almost one in five (19%) of large food manufacturers admitted they don’t have a way of finding out even the name and address of suppliers in their supply chain – a basic first step for identifying and ending abuses. More than half of large firms (53%) admitted they do not have a plan in place to find out in the future who is in their supply chain.

Further, more than one in 10 (12%) food companies admitted they do not put in place corporate standards which suppliers must adhere to, on issues such as ethics, and health and safety – according to a survey of 42 large food manufacturers across the UK, USA, Spain, Brazil, Asia, Australia, South Africa and the Middle East. The study was carried out by independent research agency IFF and commissioned by Achilles – a global supplier risk management company.

As a result, 40% of food manufacturers believe it is ‘likely or very likely’ they will be exposed to mounting legislation; and almost a third (29%) say it is ‘likely or very likely’ exposed to reputational damage.

Luis Olivie, Global Business Development Director for Achilles, said: “Without knowing who is in the supply chain, or having basic information about how contractors do business, food manufacturers are putting themselves at risk of using ‘hidden’ slave labour, child labour or unethical working practices.”

Businesses found to be using unethical labour in supply chains face hefty fines under various laws such as the UK Government’s Modern Slavery Act.

“To prevent a ticking timebomb of risk, we recommend large businesses map their supply chains through all tiers to identify and tackle potential risks. With a clear picture of who is in the supply chain, businesses can implement clear standards on ethics, which suppliers must adhere to before they are even considered to provide goods and services,” added Mr Olivie.

For more information on supply chain mapping, click here.

Notes to Editors:

About Achilles – Achilles creates and manages a global network of collaborative industry communities, allowing trading partners to share high quality, structured, real-time data. Using cloud-based technology and industry expertise we act as an independent partner, providing validated data and insightful analytics to enable buyers across a sector to identify and manage risk and suppliers to increase market reach while increasing compliance and minimising costs for the network as a whole.