A Kentucky meat processor is under fire for allegedly employing underage workers in its slaughterhouse.
Federal labor investigators identified eight minors performing banned work at Marksbury Farm Foods in Lancaster, Kentucky.
The beef and pork processor employed seven of the workers in slaughterhouse operations, while the eighth cleaned floors.
Federal law prohibits workers under 18 from doing most jobs in meat and poultry operations, labor officials said.
Two of the workers in question were under 16; a 15-year-old was also allowed to work impermissible hours.
The company was assessed a civil penalty totaling nearly $8,900 for the child labor violations.
Federal labor officials also recovered just more than $50 after Marksbury paid incorrect overtime to another worker.
Marksbury, officials noted, distributes to retail locations in four states, including Kroger and Whole Foods Market.
