Child Labor Violations Resurge in U.S. Meatpacking Industry

Recent investigations have unveiled a troubling resurgence of child labor violations within the U.S. meatpacking industry, prompting federal scrutiny and raising questions about corporate accountability and regulatory enforcement.

In January 2025, JBS USA, the nation's largest meatpacking company, agreed to a $4 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) following allegations of child labor violations at its facilities. The DOL's investigation revealed that third-party contractors employed underage workers in hazardous conditions at JBS plants across several states. The settlement funds are designated to prevent illegal child labor and support affected individuals, with a focus on communities where JBS operates, including Guntersville, Alabama; Greeley, Colorado; Ottumwa, Iowa; Worthington, Minnesota; and Grand Island, Nebraska. Additionally, JBS is required to hold third-party contractors and service providers accountable for illegal child labor practices.

In May 2025, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley initiated an investigation into Tyson Foods after a former employee alleged the presence of underage workers at one of its processing plants. The whistleblower, responsible for overseeing plant safety, reported witnessing minors working and receiving similar accounts from staff. Tyson Foods has denied these allegations, stating, "To be clear, we do not allow the employment of anyone under the age of 18 in any of our facilities, and we do not facilitate, excuse or in any other way participate in the use of child labor."

The resurgence of child labor violations in the meatpacking industry has prompted significant concern. In April 2025, Green America and the Child Labor Coalition launched a campaign targeting major meat companies, including Perdue Farms, JBS, Tyson, and Cargill, to eradicate child labor and labor violations in the food production industry. The campaign highlighted that children as young as 13 were employed in hazardous conditions, with an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 children working in the agriculture sector alone. Notably, Perdue Farms and JBS were fined a combined $8 million for relying on children in their slaughterhouses. The campaign also pointed out that 31 states have worked to loosen child labor and safety laws since 2021.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) prohibits the employment of minors in hazardous occupations, including meatpacking. Despite this, investigations have revealed widespread violations, indicating lapses in enforcement and compliance. The U.S. Department of Labor has initiated measures to address these issues, including increased penalties and enhanced monitoring of labor practices within the industry.

The employment of minors in hazardous conditions within the meatpacking industry raises profound ethical and societal concerns. Children exposed to such environments face significant risks to their physical and psychological well-being. The resurgence of child labor violations underscores systemic issues within labor practices and regulatory enforcement. The involvement of major corporations in these violations has sparked public outcry and demands for stricter oversight and accountability.

The recent surge in child labor violations within the U.S. meatpacking industry highlights systemic issues that require comprehensive solutions. Ensuring the protection of vulnerable workers, particularly minors, necessitates concerted efforts from corporations, regulators, and society at large.