|
Del Monte ignores pineapple contamination order. |
04 June 2009, www.reefertrends.com
Trade Union SITRAP has accused Fresh Del Monte of ignoring an order from Costa Rica’s Environment Tribunal to close down one of its pineapple operations.
Two weeks ago the residents of the Milano community in the canton of Siquirres blocked the main arterial road from the capital, San Jose to the main port, Limon for several hours in protest at the Government’s lack of firm action on the contamination issue. They have been protesting for over two years about contamination of their water and land by nearby plantations that produce Del Monte Gold brand pineapples. The Environmental Association for the Protection of Water Catchments and SITRAP’s Office for Occupational Health believe that a series of cases of ulcers, skin problems and respiratory problems can be attributed to the effects of chemicals used in the pineapple plantations. The Environment Tribunal had previously ordered Del Monte's pineapple subsidiary Pindeco to close down one of its packing plants located near to the Community. According to SITRAP, Del Monte claimed in court that that the evidence was spurious and is reportedly ignoring the Tribunal’s ruling.
Source: Banana Link
|
