<p> Chiquita Brands International is being investigated by a Washington non-profit organization for allegations relating to human rights and environmental violations that affect public health in six communities in Guatemala.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Water and Sanitation Health Inc. is accusing the banana producer for contaminating rivers and drinking water with fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and organic matter, according to Komonews.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “We have environmental standards here in the U.S. – regulations through the EPA – and so when you go down to those other countries like Guatemala, companies can kind of skirt around that and they don’t have the strict standards that we do here,” said Eric Harrison, president of the non-profit.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Harrison has previously sued Dole for similar accusations. Although the company denied the allegations, it eventually settled and traveled to Guatemala with Harrison to set up a water-distribution system. Similarly, Chiquita spokesman Ed Loyd denied the allegations, mentioning in a written statement that the organization is significantly misrepresenting Chiquita’s record.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “We’re the only ones in the banana industry that has our own farms that are audited to environmental, social, and labor standards,” the statement reads. “We hope to have the opportunity to introduce Mr. Harrison to our operations. And our social responsibilities practices. We are always willing to listen to a stakeholder and work with anyone in a constructive dialogue that supports local communities, and improves the lives of our employees.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Harrison went on to say, “The ultimate goal, hopefully, is to one, change certain practices in banana farming and to provide clean water to these community members. If we can get those two goals done, this lawsuit will be a success.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue our coverage on this pending investigation.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Local-non-profit-takes-on-Chiquita-235344611.html" target="_new"> Komonews </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
