UPDATE: Leading Indian biscuit brand responds to alleged child labor charge

“At the outset, we would like to state that, as a company, we are strongly against the use of child or forced labor at any of our operations and factory units.​

“None of our factories or operations employ people below age of 18 years.​

“The factory in this case is not owned or run by Parle Products and is operated by a third-party, sub-contractor. We are, nonetheless, concerned by the allegations and are currently investigating the matter. ​

“We will be taking concrete action to address the situation as we do not tolerate the exploitation of children at any cost.”​

The factory in question – located in Raipur, India – had been raided by the Indian District Task Force (DTF) on Sunday June 16 after India’s largest campaigner for children’s rights received a tip-off that a large number of children were employed there.

The DTF reportedly rescued 26 child laborers aged between 12 and 16,​​ who were earning a mere Rs 5,000-Rs 7.000 ($72-$100) per month for daily 12-hour shifts.