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(CNN Business) - Oscar-winning actor George Clooney says that Nespresso still has "work to do" after an investigation claimed to discover child labor in six of its suppliers in Guatemala.
The 58-year-old movie star, who has been an ambassador for the company's brand since 2006, said he was "shocked and saddened" by the accusations made in an upcoming episode of the UK documentary series "Dispatches" for Channel 4.
Journalist Anthony Barnett had access to farms in Guatemala, which is the tenth world coffee producer. The images obtained seemed to show children working up to six days a week collecting grains in plantations and moving heavy loads.
The documentary will air on Monday.
In addressing the research findings in a statement sent to CNN, Clooney, who is a member of the Nespresso sustainability advisory board, said: “We knew it was a great project when it started 7 years ago, and honestly, I was surprised and saddened by this history".
“Clearly, this board and this company still have work to do. And that work will be done. ”
He went on to say that he expected Barnett, the Channel 4 reporter, "to continue investigating these conditions and report accurately if they do not improve."
Clooney signed and reiterated that "the control and balance of good corporate responsibility rests not only with the company itself but also with independent journalists such as Mr. Barnett to enforce everyone's promises."
Nespresso, which is a unit of Swiss food giant Nestlé, told CNN in a statement that it has "zero tolerance for child labor" and has launched a "thorough investigation" to identify farms at the center of the accusations.
The company said it suspended coffee purchases from all farms in the region until they can ensure that child labor is not used.
Nespresso said that “any problem not covered will be treated diligently and firm action will be taken. We will also double the number of agronomists that we have on the ground in the region and implement unannounced visits to verify compliance in social and labor matters. ”
He added that he works with NGOs such as Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade International "to strengthen good labor practices and fair treatment of workers, including education on the risks of child labor."
Han de Groot, CEO of the Rainforest Alliance, said the NGO was "extremely concerned about the accusations" in the documentary and takes them very seriously.
"We are making significant efforts to address child labor and protect children in the coffee communities we work with, and we will continue to do so," he added.
