Ethics Open Line

At Cargill we encourage all employees and people who interact with us to ask questions or share compliance or ethics-related concerns. If you have a concern about the conduct of any Cargill employee or anyone representing Cargill, we want to know about it.

Cargill has established a hotline, called the Ethics Open Line, as a way for anyone to ask questions or raise concerns. The Ethics Open Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week worldwide. Anyone can submit questions or share concerns by completing an online form or calling a country-specific number. Access is provided in many languages and anyone making a report has the option to provide contact information or to remain anonymous (where allowed by country law). If it is not possible for you to talk to a Cargill manager or representative, or if you prefer to remain anonymous, you can use Cargill’s Ethics Open Line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a question about a Cargill business practice?

We want you to ask any questions you have about our business practices. Asking a question presents us with the opportunity to explain how we conduct our business.

When should I report a concern about potential compliance or ethics-related misconduct?

We want you to report concerns when you observe behavior that you believe violates Cargill’s Guiding Principles. The sooner we learn about potential misconduct the sooner we can investigate the situation. If you have a concern about the conduct of any Cargill employee or anyone representing Cargill, we want to know about it. If it is not possible to talk to a Cargill manager or representative or you prefer to remain anonymous, you may use Cargill’s Ethics Open Line. Cargill has partnered with a third-party vendor to provide you with a secure and confidential method for reporting issues or raising concerns.

What should I do if I'm not 100% sure my concern is compliance or ethics-related misconduct?

Report your concern even if you are not 100% sure misconduct has occurred. We'd rather receive a report about a situation that, ultimately, does not represent misconduct than let possible unethical behavior go unchecked. Even if misconduct didn't take place, other positive actions can result from a report, such as clearer communication or additional training.

What should I do if I'm worried that making a report will negatively impact me or my business?

You have the option to make an anonymous report via the Ethics Open Line. Your confidentiality will be maintained to the greatest extent possible under the circumstances. Cargill will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, raises a concern or participates in an investigation.

What happens when I submit a report on the Ethics Open Line?

Reports made via the Ethics Open Line are made available to specific individuals within Cargill who are charged with evaluating and investigating the report. Investigators will strive to keep your identity confidential.

How can I check on the status of my report?

When you make a submission through the Ethics Open Line, you receive a report key and password to monitor progress on your report. You are encouraged to check back frequently to monitor the status of the investigation and to see if an investigator has additional questions.

What if I have a concern about Cargill’s palm supply chain?

Cargill is committed to sustainable palm oil production and sourcing. We believe it is critical that all parts of our palm oil supply chain – plantations, processing, and trading operations, as well as all third-party suppliers – act in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner. Cargill's Palm Grievance Procedure was established to provide a transparent, open, and predictable process for dealing with grievances. Any grievance, complaint or concern from external parties concerning the implementation of Cargill’s palm supply chain commitments may be submitted to Cargill’s Ethics Open Line.