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The U.S. Department of Labor is investigating HelloFresh. The leading prepared meal kit delivery company has allegedly employed migrant child labor. 

Reports suggest that underage workers were employed as recently as this summer. This marks another case of migrant child labor in the U.S. food supply industry.

Allegations Against HelloFresh Facility

The facility under investigation is a cooking and packaging facility located in Aurora, Illinois.

It known as a Factor75 location acquired by HelloFresh four years ago.

According to Cristobal Cavazos, executive director of the advocacy group Immigrant Solidarity, at least six teenagers were found working night shifts at the facility.

"They're minors working dangerous jobs," Cavazos told ABC News.

The Department of Labor confirmed it is investigating both the facility and Midway Staffing, the agency responsible for hiring employees.

In response to the allegations, a HelloFresh spokesperson stated, "We were deeply troubled to learn of the allegations made against a former temporary staffing agency. As soon as we learned of these allegations, we immediately terminated the relationship."

The company emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for child labor, adding, "We have strict protocols in place to ensure all vendors follow our robust global ethics and compliance policies."

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Growing Concerns Over Migrant Child Labor

Migrant children in the U.S. are increasingly found working in hazardous industries, including food supply, construction, and roofing. Advocacy groups and labor experts warn of the dangers these jobs pose to minors.

The Department of Labor reported that in fiscal year 2024 alone, 4,030 children were employed in violation of child labor laws across various industries.

Nearly half of the 736 cases investigated involved minors performing hazardous work. This reflects a broader trend, with an 88% increase in child labor violations since 2019.

The majority of these cases involve migrant children.

Similar Cases Highlight Ongoing Issues

The HelloFresh investigation is the latest in a series of child labor cases in the U.S. Last month, the Labor Department fined a sanitation contractor for employing 11 minors to perform dangerous overnight cleaning tasks at a Sioux City pork processing plant.

Advocates argue that systemic issues, including lax enforcement and reliance on third-party staffing agencies, allow such violations to persist.