C4 accuses Coke of child labour abuse

Coca-ColaCoca-Cola is due to come in for fresh criticism next week over its corporate practices following allegations of child labour and environmental abuses to be aired on television next week.

The Channel 4 documentary, presented by comedian Mark Thomas, will make a series of grave charges against Coca-Cola, including the allegation that it is employing children in sugar cane plantations in El Salvador, Central America.

The documentary is scheduled to be screened on Monday November 19 at 8pm on Channel 4.

The soft drinks giant has been subject to a litany of alleged human rights and environmental abuses in the developing world in recent years. It has been alleged that Coca-Cola’s flagship drink in India contained pesticide residues above the proposed legal limit.

However, a study conducted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the UK found none of the toxins mentioned in the allegations.

Coke has also encountered difficulties in the US and is now banned in over 40 campuses over its alleged human rights crimes.

In a bid to raise its brand image, Coca-Cola has committed to overhaul how it uses water throughout its operations and bottling franchising and has pledged a $20m (9.65m) investment programme in conjunction with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).