A class action lawsuit reportedly has been filed against Ben & Jerry’s over their supply chain, which purportedly exploits migrant child labor.
Dovid Tyrnauer, the lawsuit, claims he would not have purchased or paid less for Ben & Jerry’s products if he had known migrant child labor was utilized.
The ice cream company is well-known for its support of ethically sourced products and liberal causes.
The case was brought in response to a New York Times expose on large US corporations exploiting child labor. According to the research, migrant child labor is utilized to prepare milk for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
“We are deeply concerned by the claims made in this story, and do not tolerate any suppliers who are not adhering to the law. Let us be extremely clear: Ben & Jerry’s stands in strong opposition to child labor. We have a long history of standing for justice and equity, and using our business to improve the lives and livelihoods of those we serve and work with. These beliefs do not stop at our company’s supply chain,” The ice cream titan said in a statement in response to the report.
According to the class action complaint, Ben & Jerry’s leverages social justice topics in its marketing.
Politicians such as Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and former President Barack Obama appear to be promoted by the ice cream.
They also manufacture limited edition ice creams to raise awareness about social justice concerns.
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