April 18, 2023

Top US agriculture official urges preventing child labour in meat, poultry sectors

US Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack recently wrote a letter to the meat and poultry industries in the United States, requesting that companies take steps to prevent or eliminate illegal child labor in the food supply chain.

The agency sent the letter to the 18 largest meat and poultry processors, which comprise 70% of the meat and poultry production by volume in the US.

Vilsack specified actions that industry stakeholders could take, including strong language in contracts to prevent child labor that could result in stronger sanctions, regular unannounced investigations of vendor activity and more effective reporting, monitoring or auditing where needed.

Another step Vilsack suggested was creating procedures for workers to report law violations without fear of retaliation, especially with contractors with an effective, trusted partnership with workers, unions and community organisations.

"The use of illegal child labor—particularly requiring that children undertake dangerous tasks—is inexcusable, and companies must consider both their legal and moral responsibilities to ensure they and their suppliers, subcontractors and vendors fully comply with child labor laws," Vilsack wrote in the letter. "Companies in food manufacturing — particularly those with significant market power — need to be vigilant about the standards of their suppliers to help reduce systemic violations and abuses."

Vilsack added that the food industry and the US Department of Labor have a shared commitment to ensure zero tolerance for illegal child labor. He said the agency would use its procurement and regulatory authorities to provide the necessary attention and increased oversight to curb this recent trend as quickly as possible.

According to numbers from the US Department of Labor, the agency has seen a 69% increase in children being employed illegally by companies since 2018.

- Meat + Poultry