METRO GROUP sells a number of high-quality private-label products for which it assumes direct product responsibility. This means that we must ensure the quality and safety of the products as well as observe social and environmental standards related to their manufacture and procurement. We have developed some guidelines of our own covering various links in the value chain. We also apply globally recognised regulations and testing systems and in many cases design them from the very beginning.


Humane working conditions in the supply chain

Complying with international labour standards and basic human rights is a critically important issue for METRO GROUP outside its own stores and operations as well. We expect all business partners to meet minimum social standards. A ban on child labour, forced labour and any form of exploitation is a fundamental component of agreements with suppliers.

For the import of products from certain groups of goods into the European Union, we have also pledged to review our suppliers and help them to introduce improved working conditions. We are one of the charter members of the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), a group that is committed to the observance of fundamental human rights in the production and supply chain. To ensure that minimum social standards are followed during the manufacture of products, we require our suppliers to observe the BSCI Code of Conduct.


Transparent communication on the issue of genetically modified products

The use of genetically modified products in foods is a complex issue. In the European Union, the labelling of genetically modified products is strictly regulated. METRO GROUP supports the EU's regulations and clearly focuses on consumer protection and transparent communications. Our goal is to provide consumers with the most comprehensive information about all aspects of genetically modified foods, as well as to enable them to make a conscious consumer decision. For this reason, we require our industrial partners to label foods in a manner that strictly complies with valid regulations. cbi:///cms/73701