Ethics Plumpy

TO: Board of of Directors, Nutriset.

Introduction

My name is Mr. Todd A. Pennypacker and I am employed with Nutriset and I would like to address “The Plumpy’nut Controversy”. This memo will simply include a summary of details from the case and narrow down the ethical situations and issues involved. I will also include the alternative actions to be taken and above all, my recommendation regarding the situation before us. As you will read on, we must take serious considerations regarding a patent that Nutriset has placed compared to the lives of innocent children who are dying due to severe malnutrition. The entire objective of this memo is to convince you to make an ethical choice where all parties involve can be satisfied.

Facts Summary

Plumpy’nut is a peanut paste made by Nutriset (The Wonders of Plumpy’nut; Famine relief). The controversy revolving around Plumpy’nut consists of the company holding a patent, thus prohibiting other manufacturers from acquiring the ingredients that Nutriset possesses. This is a far cry from the twenty-six million children who are suffering from the most severe form of malnutrition. Due to the patent, the manufacturers who do want to help can’t. This mostly affects the United States, considering they have the capability to produce a vast amount of peanuts and in turn, help the children that are sick.

Ethical Dilemma

The ethical dilemma comes at a crossroads for Nutriset. Should the company lower its patent in order to have manufacturers help sick children? If so, what happens to the local partners in Africa, who now, with the patent being lowered, will lose their jobs? The dilemma is very tough to navigate through because Nutriset considers its patent very unique. This is important to know considering that the more Plumpy’nut produced, the more likely a child is to become healthier than before.

Ethical Issues

Mr. Doodles, there are three ethical issues that come to mind in order for us to help us with this controversy. The first one that comes to mind is the threat for the United States to eliminate the production of Plumpy’nut in areas where jobs are desired. Second, the lack of production made by the areas that produce Plumpy’nut that will only save the lives of one to two million children suffering from malnutrition, whereas more could be saved with production from United States facilities – perhaps at a cheaper cost. Lastly, the patent placed by Nutriset could hurt children in the long run, prohibiting other manufacturers to help those whose lives are in danger. These three issues are crucial to the well beings of these children and I will propose a solution to this problem shortly.