Sample Questions to Ask Food Producers

1. Has your company conducted life cycle assessments (LCAs) for its products? How international is the scope of these assessments? What methodology was used to conduct the LCA?
2. Are these studies available to consumers? If so, how?
3. Are the results of LCAs discussed with workers?
4. Do you use LCAs when evaluating suppliers?
5. Do you use, or do you plan to use genetically modified crops or animal feed?
6. Will you label your food as containing genetically engineered materials or being genetically engineered free?
7. What happens to the packaging at the end of life?
8. Social criteria: What is your policy on labor practices? Do these extend to your suppliers? How do you monitor labor practices in developing countries? Is this independently certified?
9. Do you have plans to improve your product’s profile? If so, how? For example, do you have plans for you and your suppliers to:

• reduce chemical and energy inputs in your supply chain?
• adopt organic/sustainable agriculture standards?
• reduce packaging?
• reduce transportation needs and energy use?
• buy locally?

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