Overview
A complaint that was moved to the Washington, D.C. federal court on Tuesday alleges that Lindt has used cocoa produced with child labor in Ghana and Ivory Coast while publicly promoting a commitment to responsibly sourced ingredients. The filing contends that the Swiss chocolate maker has provided consumers with false assurances about its efforts to eliminate child labor and about its general commitment to children's rights and human rights.
Allegations in the complaint
The legal filing asserts that Lindt has been aware for more than 20 years that child labor was involved in the production of its cocoa, and that the company has benefited financially from that practice. The complaint quotes a standard of consumer expectation, saying a reasonable buyer would not expect a firm that advertises itself as "committed to respecting human rights" and as "conducting business in an ethical, legal and environmentally and socially responsible manner" to be linked to widespread child labor in its cocoa supply chain.
Sourcing details cited
According to the complaint, Lindt sources 100% of its consumer-grade cocoa beans from Ghana and obtains cocoa butter from Ivory Coast. The suit was filed by International Rights Advocates, a public interest law firm that has previously brought cases against other large chocolate companies alleging reliance on child labor.
Company response
In an emailed statement, a Lindt spokesperson said the company "takes the issue of child labor very seriously and strongly condemns all forms of child labor and denies the allegations in the complaint." The company added that it has supplier protocols in place and that it "systematically investigate[s] suspected cases of child labor in our supply chain."
Corporate policies and public statements
Lindt, which is based in Kilchberg, Switzerland, publishes a 2030 Sustainability Plan on its website that outlines efforts to support cocoa farmers in West Africa and to reduce the risks of child labor. The company also issues a "Modern Slavery Statement" that describes a tailored strategy to reduce such risks, including recognition of the Rainforest Alliance certification for farming practices.
Relief sought
The lawsuit asks the court to halt what it characterizes as Lindt's unlawful conduct directed at consumers in the District of Columbia. The complaint does not seek monetary damages.
Comments from plaintiff counsel
Terry Collingsworth, executive director of International Rights Advocates, said in an email that his research "confirmed that Lindt, like the other major cocoa companies, has great paper policies and virtually no implementation, particularly on the child labor issue." Collingsworth's organization has also pursued litigation involving other companies over alleged labor abuses, including suits against Apple, Cargill and Starbucks.
Summary of key elements
- The complaint was moved to the Washington, D.C. federal court and challenges Lindt's public assurances on sourcing and human rights.
- It alleges Lindt sources 100% of consumer-grade cocoa beans from Ghana and sources cocoa butter from Ivory Coast, and has been aware of child labor in its supply chain for more than 20 years.
- International Rights Advocates filed the suit; it seeks injunctive relief aimed at stopping the alleged unlawful conduct and does not request damages.
Key points
- The lawsuit targets Lindt's consumer-facing claims about ethical sourcing and human rights compliance, raising reputational risk for the chocolate and packaged food sectors.
- The complaint highlights specific sourcing origins - Ghana for consumer-grade beans and Ivory Coast for cocoa butter - drawing attention to West African cocoa supply chains and their oversight.
- The case is part of a broader pattern of public interest litigation involving major food and tech companies over alleged labor practices, potentially affecting investor scrutiny in consumer goods and supply-chain dependent sectors.
Risks and uncertainties
- Legal uncertainty - The complaint seeks injunctive relief but not damages; the outcome and any judicial remedies remain unresolved, which creates uncertainty for stakeholders in the consumer goods market.
- Reputational risk - Allegations that public sustainability policies are not implemented in practice could affect consumer perception and brand trust in the chocolate and confectionery sector.
- Supply-chain scrutiny - The focus on sourcing from Ghana and Ivory Coast may increase attention on certification and monitoring practices among cocoa buyers and processors, impacting how companies manage supplier protocols.
Note: This article reports on the claims made in a legal complaint and the responses provided by Lindt and the plaintiff counsel as described in the filing and related statements. It does not adjudicate the claims.