Ahold Delhaize USA has joined the Responsible Labor Initiative, becoming part of an international effort to address human rights risks in global supply chains, particularly in the food and beverage sector.
The company, which operates supermarket banners including The Giant Company, Hannaford and Food Lion, has entered the initiative through a working group focused specifically on labour risks across global food and beverage sourcing networks.
Ahold Delhaize USA said membership will provide access to tools and resources designed to help companies better manage supplier workforce challenges, including grievance mechanisms, risk assessment systems and audit programmes.
According to the Responsible Labor Initiative, the organisation works to protect vulnerable workers and reduce the risk of forced labour in global supply chains by influencing recruitment practices and collaborating with stakeholders across industries.
Mark Eastham, sustainable products manager for Ahold Delhaize USA, said responsible labour practices are essential to building sustainable, resilient and transparent supply chains. He added that joining the initiative will strengthen the company’s ability to identify risks, work with peers and support the fair and safe treatment of workers throughout its supply network.
Other grocery and retail companies already involved in the initiative include Walmart and Costco. The Responsible Labor Initiative is part of the wider Responsible Business Alliance, whose members span consumer goods, retail, food and beverage and other industries.
