Minnesota Meat Processor Fined $300K for Child Labor Violations

Minnesota meat processor, Tony Downs Foods, has agreed to pay a $300,000 fine to settle allegations of employing eight teenagers in illegal and hazardous work, including operating meat grinders and forklifts during the graveyard shift. The company, which produces fully cooked and frozen protein meals, disagreed with the allegations but will comply with the fine and other stipulations, such as hiring a third-party watchdog and communicating labor policies in English and Spanish. The employment of minors in such environments violates state child labor laws.