BBC blasts conditions at Twinings, Tetley and Harrods suppliers
A BBC / Radio 4 investigation uncovered "dangerous and degrading living and working conditions" at major tea estates in India's Assam region owned by Assam Company and McLeod Russel that supply tea to leading brands such as Twinings, Tetley, Harrods and Fortnum and Mason. The report found deficiencies in housing, sanitation, malnutrition, as well as working conditions and pay. For example, workers' homes were in disrepair, with leaking roofs, cracked walls and clogged toilets. There were also reports of child labor and poor health and safety standards in the fields. While most companies concerned acknowledged that more needs to be done to improve living and working conditions of pluckers in Assam, the investigation also highlights the failings of ethical certification organizations like the Ethical Tea Partnership and Rainforest Alliance, which has conceded that flaws exist in its audit process.