Smithfield Foods to Pay $2 Million Over Child Labor Violations at Minnesota Meat Plant
Smithfield Foods, a major U.S. meat processor, has agreed to pay $2 million to resolve allegations of child labor violations at its plant in St. James, Minnesota.
The settlement follows an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, which uncovered that at least 11 children, aged 14 to 17, were employed at the facility between April 2021 and April 2023.
Details of the Allegations
The investigation revealed:
- Three children began working at the plant when they were just 14 years old.
- Nine children worked beyond legally allowable hours.
- All 11 were assigned potentially dangerous tasks, which U.S. law prohibits for workers under 18 in meat processing plants.
State Labor Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach said the settlement “sends a strong message to employers, including in the meat processing industry, that child labor violations will not be tolerated in Minnesota.”
Smithfield’s Response
Smithfield, based in Virginia, denied knowingly hiring underage workers and did not admit liability as part of the settlement.
The company stated the children used false identification to pass the federal E-Verify employment eligibility system.
In a statement, Smithfield emphasized its commitment to compliance, saying, “we wholeheartedly agree that individuals under the age of 18 have no place working in meatpacking or processing facilities.”
A Broader Pattern of Violations
The $2 million penalty is the largest child labor enforcement action in Minnesota history and among the largest nationwide. Similar cases include:
- A $300,000 settlement with Tony Downs Food Co. in Minnesota last year for employing children as young as 13.
- The U.S. Department of Labor’s $1.5 million fine against Packers Sanitation Services Inc. for employing over 100 children in dangerous jobs across 13 plants.
In response to rising cases, the Biden administration has urged meat processors to ensure compliance with child labor laws. The Labor Department reported a 69% increase in illegal child labor cases since 2018.
Looking Forward
The Smithfield settlement highlights growing concerns about the exploitation of minors in hazardous industries.
As regulatory agencies increase scrutiny, companies across the U.S. are being called upon to strengthen hiring practices and prevent further violations.
Discover more about labor regulations in the meat industry and how violations impact the sector—visit our homepage for in-depth coverage.
