91998E2445

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2445/98

by Angela Sierra González (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(30 July 1998)

Subject: Activities of the Chiquita multinational in Latin America

Recent reports appearing in various sectors of the media contain a number of interesting revelations on the activities of the Chiquita multinational in various Latin American countries.

These include the following:

- Chiquita secretly controls dozens of allegedly independent companies in order to evade restrictions on land ownership and laws on national security in Central American countries;

- Chiquita and its subsidiary firms have carried out operations using pesticides which have affected the health of their workers and people living in the area despite an agreement signed with an environmental group (Rainforest Alliance) to adhere to safety standards. The pesticides used include some which are not permitted in any EU country;

- hundreds of people in one district in Costa Rica have been exposed to emissions of toxic gas from a factory belonging to a subsidiary of Chiquita.

Is the Commission aware of the information reported in the media?

Does the Commission know whether the Chiquita multinational or its subsidiary firms comply with the parameters established to protect the health of their workers and conserve the environment?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(22 September 1998)

The Commission is keeping a watching brief on Chiquita in a number of Latin American countries.

It is aware that various Costa Rican bodies have brought actions in the local civil court and various United States courts against the use of highly toxic pesticides. The plaintiffs were successful in the US courts and damages were paid, but numerous complaints are still being lodged.

Reports in the media suggest that Chiquita is complying with its basic economic undertakings and pays the minimum wage for banana workers laid down by Costa Rican law. The monitoring of Chiquita's activities from the standpoint of environmental conservation is purely a matter for the Costa Rican authorities.