Shrink from the Shrimp

As we rapidly approach the holidays, I want to bring something to your attention. On Wednesday, I sent a letter to Secretary of Labor Tom Perez and Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs Dr. Stephen Ostroff, calling on them to investigate slave-peeled shrimp in Thailand, which is entering the United States’ food supply.

Recent reports from the UN, EU, State Department, and international labor organizations have all detailed the repugnant use of slave labor in the Thai shrimp processing industry. A detailed report released by the Associated Press this week revealed particularly illustrative and gruesome testimony of former slave workers: human trafficking, forced labor, debt bondages, filthy sub-human working conditions, child endangerment, unlivable wages, and even death.

I am deeply concerned for the welfare of adult and children shrimp peelers in Thailand, who are forced to work in one of the most abhorrent slavery schemes of the 21st century. The list of human rights violations is both extensive and foul. While human trafficking and forced labor are not unique to Thailand, the reports concerning the shrimp peeling industry in Thailand are impossible to ignore. And what is perhaps most troubling is the alleged involvement of United States corporations in the operation.

US Customs records show that Thai shrimp imported from slavery tainted supply lines has made its way into American restaurants, universities, hospitals, pet stores, and some of our largest retailers. While some American companies such as Nestle have cut ties with Thai processors associated with slavery, others have admitted to a lack of awareness.

Although international actors have begun to take steps to address the injustices, I believe that there is much more that the US can do. In my letter this week I respectfully requested that the FDA and DOL launch full investigations into US companies doing business with Thai shrimp processors known to be associated with slavery, and implement the administrative actions that are available to punish companies that associate themselves with slave labor.

This year our country celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the passage of the 13th Amendment; an amendment formally abolishing slavery in the United States. Although the horrors of slavery in our country are generations prior, there are those in Thailand who will wake up tomorrow to experience this nightmare for themselves. We cannot abolish slavery from our own front yard only to see similar crimes against humanity supported in the yard of our neighbors. I urge you to “shrink from the shrimp,” and be mindful of where it is that your holiday party food is from.

Warmly,