RAN says that palm oil production is a leading cause of orangutan extinction and rainforest destruction in Indonesia and Malaysia.
In addition to its protest, RAN released a report which showed that none of the 20 snack food companies targeted in its campaign can currently verifiably ensure that their products do not contain palm oil connected to rainforest destruction, carbon pollution and human rights abuses. The snack food companies mentioned in the report control a range of household brands including PepsiCo, Heinz, Hershey’s, Kraft and Smuckers.
“In the 21st Century customers don’t want to buy crackers and cookies that are responsible for pushing the world’s last wild orangutans to extinction and for horrifying child labour violations,” said RAN executive director Lindsey Allen.
“That’s why Rainforest Action Network is putting these top 20 snack food companies using ‘conflict palm oil’ on notice that it’s time to develop responsible policies and create products that reflect the values of their customers and the needs of our planet.”
Source: Rainforest Action Network
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