Animal rights group calls to ban Woolworths item: ‘Do the right thing’
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Content Warning: This article mentions animal abuse and mistreatment, including distressing scenes involving monkeys. Reader discretion is advised.
In a turn of events that has sparked widespread concern and debate, Woolworths, one of Australia's leading supermarket chains, has become the centre of a heated controversy.
The issue is the sale of coconut milk, a common pantry item that many of us use in our daily cooking and baking.
But this isn't just any coconut milk; it's the coconut milk sourced from Thailand, which has been subjected to intense scrutiny by PETA Australia, the world's largest animal rights organisation.
PETA Australia has been vocal in its criticism of Woolworths for continuing to stock Thai coconut milk despite allegations of animal abuse in the supply chain.
According to a PETA Australia investigation, there were claims that in Thailand, monkeys are being exploited to harvest coconuts.
These animals were reportedly taken from the wild or bred in captivity, then forced to climb trees and collect coconuts under distressing conditions.
If the monkeys did not perform or failed to meet picking quotas, they were allegedly subjected to punishment and lived in ‘miserable living conditions’.
The animal rights group has urged Woolworths to take a stand and shift its coconut milk sourcing to other regions that do not engage in such practices.
PETA's campaign has gained traction, with distressing images and content circulating online, prompting public outcry and calls for a nationwide ban on the product.
Woolworths, however, has strongly refuted these allegations.
The supermarket giant has stated that its investigations have not found evidence of such ‘concerning practices’ among its Thai coconut milk suppliers.
It’s understood that the three companies identified by PETA, Chaokoh, Suree, and Aroy-D, do not supply Woolworths' own-branded products.
‘There are many coconut businesses in Thailand, and these claims have not been connected to any of the suppliers we source our own brand coconut milk from,’ a Woolworths spokesperson said.
‘We do not allow these concerning practices in our supply chain, and all our suppliers have made written declarations that it will not be tolerated in their businesses either.’
‘Animal welfare is fundamental to our business, and we take any allegations of mistreatment seriously.’
Despite Woolworths' assurances, PETA remained unconvinced and continues to push for change.
'In New Zealand, where Woolworths operates as Countdown, supermarket Pak’nSave has already stopped stocking coconut milk from these farms. However, Woolworths has yet to act,' PETA said.
The controversy has spilled over onto social media, with users expressing dismay and urging Woolworths to reconsider its supply chain decisions.
‘Woolworths, are you still sourcing your coconut milk from Thailand, where monkeys are tortured?’ said one.
Another wrote, ‘Why do you torture innocent monkeys?’
A third added, ‘It’s high time Woolworths did the right thing for monkeys by cutting ties with forced animal labour. They are chained and made to harvest the coconuts, beaten if they don’t do it fast enough, horrific.’
‘Please find another source for coconut milk. Thank you for doing the right thing.’
One more responded, ‘It’s time Woolworths cut ties with the coconut milk industry who beat monkeys to make them go up trees and pick the coconuts.’
‘What are you thinking of, Woolworths...supporting animal cruelty? It’s not acceptable.’
You may watch PETA’s video below (Warning: This video contains distressing scenes):
Credit: PETA Australia
Another product made in Thailand was also under fire by customers online for its quality issues.
In a previous story, a man was horrified when he encountered something in a packet of his rice purchased from his local store.
The discovery was not only shocking but also brought about a level of disgust that's hard to shake off. You can read more about it here.
What do you think of this story, members? Do you believe supermarkets have a responsibility to ensure ethical practices in their supply chains? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
In a turn of events that has sparked widespread concern and debate, Woolworths, one of Australia's leading supermarket chains, has become the centre of a heated controversy.
The issue is the sale of coconut milk, a common pantry item that many of us use in our daily cooking and baking.
But this isn't just any coconut milk; it's the coconut milk sourced from Thailand, which has been subjected to intense scrutiny by PETA Australia, the world's largest animal rights organisation.
PETA Australia has been vocal in its criticism of Woolworths for continuing to stock Thai coconut milk despite allegations of animal abuse in the supply chain.
According to a PETA Australia investigation, there were claims that in Thailand, monkeys are being exploited to harvest coconuts.
Woolworths is under fire for banning coconut milk from Thailand. Credit: Shutterstock
These animals were reportedly taken from the wild or bred in captivity, then forced to climb trees and collect coconuts under distressing conditions.
If the monkeys did not perform or failed to meet picking quotas, they were allegedly subjected to punishment and lived in ‘miserable living conditions’.
The animal rights group has urged Woolworths to take a stand and shift its coconut milk sourcing to other regions that do not engage in such practices.
PETA's campaign has gained traction, with distressing images and content circulating online, prompting public outcry and calls for a nationwide ban on the product.
Woolworths, however, has strongly refuted these allegations.
The supermarket giant has stated that its investigations have not found evidence of such ‘concerning practices’ among its Thai coconut milk suppliers.
It’s understood that the three companies identified by PETA, Chaokoh, Suree, and Aroy-D, do not supply Woolworths' own-branded products.
‘There are many coconut businesses in Thailand, and these claims have not been connected to any of the suppliers we source our own brand coconut milk from,’ a Woolworths spokesperson said.
‘We do not allow these concerning practices in our supply chain, and all our suppliers have made written declarations that it will not be tolerated in their businesses either.’
‘Animal welfare is fundamental to our business, and we take any allegations of mistreatment seriously.’
Despite Woolworths' assurances, PETA remained unconvinced and continues to push for change.
'In New Zealand, where Woolworths operates as Countdown, supermarket Pak’nSave has already stopped stocking coconut milk from these farms. However, Woolworths has yet to act,' PETA said.
The controversy has spilled over onto social media, with users expressing dismay and urging Woolworths to reconsider its supply chain decisions.
‘Woolworths, are you still sourcing your coconut milk from Thailand, where monkeys are tortured?’ said one.
Another wrote, ‘Why do you torture innocent monkeys?’
A third added, ‘It’s high time Woolworths did the right thing for monkeys by cutting ties with forced animal labour. They are chained and made to harvest the coconuts, beaten if they don’t do it fast enough, horrific.’
‘Please find another source for coconut milk. Thank you for doing the right thing.’
One more responded, ‘It’s time Woolworths cut ties with the coconut milk industry who beat monkeys to make them go up trees and pick the coconuts.’
‘What are you thinking of, Woolworths...supporting animal cruelty? It’s not acceptable.’
You may watch PETA’s video below (Warning: This video contains distressing scenes):
Credit: PETA Australia
Another product made in Thailand was also under fire by customers online for its quality issues.
In a previous story, a man was horrified when he encountered something in a packet of his rice purchased from his local store.
The discovery was not only shocking but also brought about a level of disgust that's hard to shake off. You can read more about it here.
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