FGV, the world's largest crude palm oil producer, and some other suppliers of the oil used in everything from food to cosmetics to biodiesel have long faced allegations from rights groups over labour and human rights abuses. Indonesia and Malaysia are the two biggest producers of palm oil and the industry has also been blamed for deforestation and the destruction of natural habitats. Smith said CBP had received allegations around the broader palm oil industry and asked US importers to look into the labour practices of their suppliers. US consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble, which has a joint venture with FGV, should take the ban "seriously" if it is an importer of its palm oil products, Smith said. Anti-trafficking group Liberty Shared submitted a petition to CBP in April against another Malaysian palm oil producer, Sime Darby Plantation, over alleged labour abuse.

Source: bd News24 September 30, 2020 14:26 UTC