Penalty Settlement: Minnesota Meat Processing Plant Accused of Employing Minors Commits to $300K Settlement

MADELIA, Minn. (AP) — A meat processing company in Minnesota has agreed to pay $300,000 in penalties after an investigation discovered that it had employed children as young as 13 in hazardous conditions, including operating meat grinders during overnight shifts and exceeding legal working hours.

Tony Downs Food Company, based in Mankato, has also agreed to comply with child labor laws and hire a compliance specialist as part of a consent order issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

“Tony Downs has agreed to take significant measures to prevent violations of child labor laws,” stated Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. She added, “All employers must train their employees to recognize potential child labor violations and ensure compliance with state and federal laws.”

The investigation revealed that the meat processing company employed at least eight children, aged 14 to 17, at its Madelia plant. Additionally, the labor department identified other employees who were hired before turning 18 years old.

According to the complaint, these young employees, one of whom was only 13 at the time of hiring, operated dangerous machinery, such as meat grinders and forklifts, during overnight shifts. They also worked in areas where meat products are flash frozen using carbon monoxide and ammonia. Furthermore, they allegedly worked longer hours than legally allowed and some suffered injuries.

The agreement states that Tony Downs “disputes and does not admit the alleged violations of law” presented by the labor department.

The investigation into Tony Downs was initiated following a complaint about working conditions at the Madelia plant. Inspectors conducted an overnight inspection, interviewed workers, documented the working conditions, and contacted local school districts. The company provided employee records up until February.

The labor department discovered that Tony Downs was aware of the issue. It also found that minors were working under false identities and were not native English speakers, according to the complaint.

Under Minnesota law, employers are prohibited from employing minors in hazardous conditions. Additionally, employees under the age of 16 cannot work after 9 p.m., exceed eight hours a day, or surpass 40 hours a week.

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