ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) – The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has ordered Smithfield Packaged Meat Corp. to pay a $2 million penalty for child labor violations.
It’s the largest penalty issued by the department.
Between April 2021 and April 2023, Smithfield employed at least 11 children between 11 and 14 years old who performed hazardous work that included working near chemicals; operating power equipment like meat grinders, slicers, and conveyor belts; and illegally operating other equipment.
Children were also working illegal hours, like after 11 p.m. the night before a school day.
Smithfield is based in Smithfield, Virginia and has factories across the U.S. and Mexico, including plants in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and St. James, Minnesota.
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