State of Minnesota, by its Department of Labor and Industry v. Tony Downs Food Company, Inc. is a Minnesota lawsuit against a meat processing company fined $300,000 for illegally employing children. Investigators found minors as young as 13 working overnight shifts and handling dangerous equipment, in clear violation of Minnesota child labor laws.
Investigators found at least eight workers between ages 14 and 17 operating ovens, meat grinders, forklifts, and other equipment. Some shifts stretched until 1 or 2 a.m. Injury reports revealed that minors were harmed while performing these duties.
A district court entered a consent order requiring Tony Downs Food Company to comply with Minnesota child labor laws. The order imposed a $300,000 civil penalty and directed the company to adopt compliance measures to prevent future violations.
Lessons learned from the case:
- Employers must strictly comply with child labor laws that prohibit minors from working in hazardous or overnight roles.
- Businesses need effective oversight to verify employee ages and monitor assignments.
- Courts can impose significant financial penalties and corrective measures when violations occur.
- Employers are responsible for maintaining safe working conditions for all workers, with heightened consequences when children are involved.
Learn more about Minnesota Labor Laws through our detailed guide.
