Washington, Oct 1 (AFP/APP):The United States has banned imports from a Malaysian palm oil giant whose products are found in numerous everyday goods worldwide over concerns its workers face a litany of abuse. Palm oil is a common ingredient in items ranging from processed foods to cosmetics, and Malaysia is the second-biggest producer of the commodity after neighbouring Indonesia. Together, the countries produce 85 percent of the world’s supply. But the industry has long been controversial, with activists saying it drives the destruction of rainforests to make way for plantations and workers frequently face abuse. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced late Wednesday it was banning imports of palm oil from FGV Holdings, one of Malaysia’s top producers of the commodity, following a year-long investigation. The probe found indications workers were subject to physical and sexual violence, intimidation and had their wages withheld, while there were also concerns the company was using child labour. “The use of forced labour in the production of such a ubiquitous product allows companies to profit from the abuse of vulnerable workers,” said CBP official Brenda Smith. ‘Make it safer’: calls grow to reform Myanmar’s deadly jade trade “These companies are creating unfair competition … Continue reading Malaysian palm oil giant hit with US ban over abuse concerns