Following a recent investigation revealing underage workers, another meat processing company has committed to overhauling its employment procedures. The Department of Labor announced on Friday that Monogram Foods will incur a penalty exceeding $30,000 as part of a settlement. This agreement stems from the discovery of a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old employed at the company's Chandler, Minnesota facility. While officials mandated a halt on shipments of products manufactured during the teens' employment, operations have since resumed after their dismissal. The company's headquarters are located in Memphis, Tennessee, and it specializes in producing a range of meat snacks.

Earlier this year, a separate inquiry uncovered over 100 minors working overnight shifts at Packers Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI), a company responsible for cleaning slaughterhouses. These young workers were exposed to hazardous equipment, including skull splitters and bone saws. PSSI subsequently agreed to a $1.5 million fine and pledged to revise its hiring practices.

The Department of Labor has intensified its focus on child labor violations, particularly within the meat processing sector, in response to the PSSI case and a significant national rise in illegal child employment. The Biden administration has also called upon meat processing companies to ensure they are not employing minors for dangerous tasks.

Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda emphasized the administration's zero-tolerance stance on child labor violations.

In a statement, Monogram Foods clarified that the investigation identified only two underage employees among its workforce of over 400 at the Minnesota plant. The company asserted that these individuals likely used fabricated documents to secure employment. A subsequent audit of Monogram's other 12 plants across several states did not reveal any further instances of underage workers. The company reiterated its commitment to complying with labor laws and stated that it immediately terminated the two underage employees.

Monogram Foods, which employs approximately 4,000 people nationwide, produces a variety of meat snacks, appetizers, and other convenience food items. The company is owned by the private equity firm Pritzker Private Capital.

As part of the settlement, Monogram Foods has agreed to engage a consultant to review its hiring practices, suggest necessary improvements, and monitor compliance at all its facilities for the next two years. The company has also implemented stricter hiring procedures and will conduct training for managers to identify potential underage workers. Additionally, Monogram has established an anonymous hotline for employees to report any labor law concerns.