MADELIA, Minn. – Tony Downs Foods in the south-central Minnesota community of Madelia has agreed to pay a $300,000 fine and implement a three-year compliance program after alleged violations of child-labor laws.
According to the state Department of Labor and Industry, the company employed at least eight children ages 14 to 17 to operate meat-processing equipment in violation of laws that prohibit minors from working in hazardous occupations. The agency says one child, only 13 years old when hired, operated meat grinders, ovens and forklifts during overnight shifts.
Labor and Industry Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach said Tony Downs has agreed to take important steps to prevent future violations.
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