This Sh.. is Bananas.

There’s a new documentary about bananas. Well, more like conspiracy-deadly-fraudulent bananas. Here’s the quick summary:

“In the film BANANAS!*, twelve Nicaraguan banana plantation workers are suing Dole for concealing the dangers of a pesticide that they claim made them sterile.”

Check out the trailer for the film:

The chemical pesticide used on the bananas is Nemagon. There are valid concerns that this pesticide may cause reproductive issues and increase cancer rates. The film’s website also writes:

“Even as early as 1961, an internal Shell report recommended using impermeable protective clothing to prevent contact with the skin, because the product could have undesirable consequences for human reproduction.”

Obviously, Dole said the whole lawsuit was bananas. AND THEN, the attorneys for the plantation workers and other plaintiffs were charged with fraud. Watch Dole’s response video to all of this:

If you have time, also check out “The Facts” section from the film’s website and “The Timeline” to learn more of the sordid details.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Dole was being “loose” with the use of the pesticide. I mean really, we see this with TONS of other chemical and food companies. Unfortunately, the fraud charges are making the truth pretty impossible to reveal.

What do you think? Is Dole in the wrong? Could they have influenced the fraud charges? Or, are the plantation workers trying to take advantage of Dole (and wouldn’t that be horrible since I’m sure Dole has paid and treated them so well throughout the years)?

Sandy

February 5th, 2010 at 12:05 pm

Nice documentary about bananas, Its a very nutritious fruit and digestive fruit which needs to be consumed in daily basis to sustain energy in your body

Chorlton

February 5th, 2010 at 3:57 pm

This persistent chemical was banned in the US in 1979. Dole imported it directly from Dow afterwards. Dole seems to be following in the traditions of the United Fruit Company, which was friendly with many right-wing dictators in Latin America, and even instigated a CIA coup d’etat in Guatemala in 1954. Grim.

jeannie

February 7th, 2010 at 12:50 am

can’t believe Dole was using this if it was/is bannedwhats the point of banning if a company is just gonna legally use it outside the U.S.? And I think Dole bought the case. No more Dole nananas for me. Organic or not.

February 8th, 2010 at 9:53 am

Chiquita are up to the same tricks:
http://www.mindfully.org/Pesticide/chiquita/