Smithfield Foods pays $2 million to settle child labor violations at its Minnesota plant.

Smithfield Foods, a major US meat processor, has agreed to pay a $2 million settlement to resolve child labor violations at its Minnesota plant. The Minnesota Department of Labor found that the company employed at least 11 children aged 14 to 17 from April 2021 to April 2023, allowing them to work beyond legal hours and perform hazardous tasks. As part of the settlement, Smithfield agreed to steps to ensure future compliance with child labor laws. The company maintains it did not knowingly hire anyone under 18, and all children passed the federal E-Verify system using false identification. This marks the largest administrative penalty for child labor in Minnesota's history.

November 14, 2024
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