Global Food Norms

TNCs Norms and Rules amongst the Global Food System

Globalization has expanded the rules and norms that govern the global food system. According to Phillip McMichael, the world has experienced a “transformation of food security into a private relation” (2004). Under this dynamic, global deregulation and liberalization are being viewed as an opportunity of development. Transnational corporations dominate on the construction of these rules on the global food system; therefore, accountably measures are necessary to maintain the sustainability of the food industry and to avoid any violation of human rights. Some could argue that the best way to promote a change in the global food industry is “voluntary support”, which is referred by policy
Furthermore, it created a sustainable development model for corporations. In regards to the labour and community practices, company A had 5 categories that addressed social issues, which led to new approaches towards employees. It especially raises awareness amongst common issues in the cocoa industry, such as child and forced labour (Padmankshi, Platts and Gregory 19). On the other hand, company B is a much bigger corporation that was not found in the principles of CSR; however, it later on decided to add concerns on environmental, social and economic sectors. This modified the founder’s concept of ethics and responsibility (Padmankshi, Platts and Gregory 19). At this point the company starts looking after society, which is a great improvement in the accountability process. These two companies are greater examples on TNCs “voluntary action” in working towards sustainability. However, TNCs “goodwill alone has proved insufficient to the task of protecting human rights and the environment” (Action Aid Internation 41). One of the major reasons is the business logic applied by many companies who in “theory” are doing something, but in reality no changes have been made. The implementation of CSR is more practical than theoretical (Padmankshi, Platts and Gregory 19). Currently, it is estimated that out of the “64,000 TNCs operating today,
Currently the world food system “fails to recognize the social and environmental crises” built into the system (International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers ' Associations). The case study of DBCP vs. Costa Rica demonstrates the consequences of pesticides affecting the environment, as well as banana plantation workers. This is a case of massive sterilization in Costa Rica, where over 1,500 workers suffered the irreversible consequences of being sterile as well as the tremendous social changes in their life. The pesticide called DBCP was used for many years in Costa Rica during the production process of bananas. This particular case reflects the problem of trade control issues in developing countries, and the lack of accountability for seriously hazardous products such as this particular pesticide (Pesticide Hazard in Costa Rica). Moreover, this case demonstrates the power of TNCs influencing the legal system. In this particular case, the company that produces the pesticide has managed to blocked the lawsuit against the Costa Rican workers by using the “legal doctrine of forum non convenient.” (Pesticide Hazard in Costa Rica). This case demonstrates that Bananas are cheap because of the conditions in which they are grown, and that they harm the environment, as well as the people. However, no