Olam International controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Child-slavery lawsuit
Former child laborers from Mali sued Olam and other cocoa companies in the United States, alleging that the defendants aided and profited from forced labor in Côte d'Ivoire. The case was dismissed for lack of standing in 2022; the dismissal was affirmed in 2025.
2017
Cocoa sourcing allegations in Côte d'Ivoire
Mighty Earth alleged that cocoa purchased by Olam was linked to national parks and other protected forests in Côte d'Ivoire, raising concerns about deforestation and supply-chain traceability.
2016
Deforestation allegations in Gabon
Mighty Earth and Brainforest alleged that Olam's palm-oil and rubber operations cleared extensive rainforest and threatened habitats of gorillas, chimpanzees and forest elephants. Olam suspended further forest clearing and participated in later assessments.
2012
Muddy Waters financial allegations
Muddy Waters Research alleged that Olam had taken excessive leverage, invested in illiquid positions and suffered from weak board leadership and accounting practices. Olam described the claims as baseless and brought a libel action.