The U.S. Department of Labor has launched an investigation into allegations that German meal-kit provider HelloFresh employed migrant children at a factory in Aurora, Illinois. The claims suggest that at least six teenagers from Guatemala were working night shifts in cooking and packaging roles, raising concerns about potential violations of federal child labor laws.
Cristobal Cavazos, executive director of Immigrant Solidarity, a migrant rights advocacy group, initially reported the issue to federal authorities. “They’re minors working dangerous jobs,” Cavazos stated in an interview with ABC News.
HelloFresh responded by terminating its relationship with the staffing agency implicated in the matter. “We were deeply troubled to learn of the allegations made against a former temporary staffing agency,” the company said in a statement to ABC.
Federal investigators are also examining Midway Staffing, the agency allegedly responsible for recruiting the minors, for possible violations of child labor regulations.
This case highlights broader concerns over the employment of migrants, including children, in U.S. industries. Advocacy groups and government officials continue to scrutinize corporate labor practices to ensure compliance with federal laws.
Sources: ABC News
