More slave conditions uncovered in Brazil: Cosan named in probe

In Brazil, the Ministry of Labor accused ethanol producer Cosan of permitting “slave-like” conditions on plantations that supply its 16 refineries in the Piracicaba zone in São Paulo state. The Ministry said that conditions in Piracicaba included “no adequate bathrooms, tables, chairs or equipment,” humiliation of workers by foreman, and that worker pay went towards “expenses” deducted by the company. The Ministry’s report also indicated that more than 100 workers were found to be enslaved in Alagoas and Mato Gross states.

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