We are deeply concerned to hear media reports that there may have been illegal child labor involved at a supplier Hearthside Food Solutions (HFS) Geneva site.

We explicitly prohibit illegal child labor in the operations of our suppliers (as well as our own operations), and we require all suppliers to meet contractual and legal requirements as well as our Supplier & Partner Code of Conduct…

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When The New York Times made allegations regarding HFS’ production for other food brands in February, we engaged directly with HFS to demand information and action from them to ensure compliance with our supplier expectations, as well as ensure their adherence with their contractual obligations, including audit requirements, and other measures to protect children.

Since then, we’ve taken additional steps to further reinforce our clear expectations across our value chain including sending a letter to U.S. suppliers, including HFS, spelling out, in no uncertain terms, what we expect of them overall and specific to their human rights and labor practices.

We have also requested that HFS provide us with information and updates on the steps taken to strengthen their own internal processes and procedures, and we encouraged The New York Times to hear from them directly…