U.S. Action Sought Against Brazilian Coffee Tainted by Forced Labor

Recent petitions to the U.S. government allege that popular coffee brands may be sourcing beans harvested under forced labor conditions in Brazil, highlighting a systemic issue of human trafficking in the industry.

In a compelling move against the coffee industry, two nonprofit organizations are urging the U.S. government to intervene in what they claim are egregious conditions in which Brazilian coffee is harvested. Coffee Watch and International Rights Advocates have brought to light concerns regarding major American retailers, including Starbucks and Dunkin', suggesting that their products may be entwined with forced labor—a situation reminiscent of modern slavery.

The recent petition filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection by Coffee Watch calls for a ban on coffee imports from Brazil believed to be connected to human trafficking. Etelle Higonnet, the director of Coffee Watch, emphasized that the issue extends beyond isolated incidents, stating, "We’re exposing an entrenched system that traps millions in extreme poverty and thousands in outright slavery."

This urgent call for action follows a lawsuit by International Rights Advocates against Starbucks, representing eight Brazilians who were allegedly subjected to "slavery-like conditions." The case seeks class-action status to potentially encompass thousands of other workers who have encountered similar treatment while supplying coffee for Starbucks through a cooperative called Cooxupé. Human rights attorney Terry Collingsworth insisted that accountability is necessary: "Starbucks needs to be accountable... there is a massive trafficking and forced labor system in Brazil."

The situation reflects a critical spotlight on the ethical sourcing of coffee, revealing the dark complexities that can underpin the favorite beverage of many. Calls for transparency and responsibility resonate not only within the industry but also among consumers who demand ethically sourced products.