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Coffee industry to agree improved standards
Coffee producers and four of the world's largest coffee companies will on Friday seal a far-reaching agreement to improve working conditions and environmental standards across their volatile industry. The Common Code for the Coffee Community is targeted at the mainstream coffee market, rather than fair trade or other niche segments...Producers and traders adopting the code will have to pay minimum wages, cease using child labour, allow trade union membership and stick to international environmental standards on pesticides and water pollution. The code will be enforced by independent auditors and be evaluated regularly. [refers to Nestlé, Sara Lee, Kraft Foods (part of Altria), Tchibo, Tesco, Sainsbury; also refers to Kenco, Maxwell House, Jacobs (all part of Kraft)]