Feds investigating HelloFresh-owned facility in Illinois over allegations of child labor
CHICAGO (CBS) — An Illinois meal kit facility owned by HelloFresh is under investigation over allegations of child labor.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has an open investigation with a HelloFresh facility in Aurora. The investigation also includes staffing company, Midway Staffing LLC.
HelloFresh is a popular subscription meal-kit service based in Berlin, Germany.
HelloFresh released the following statement on Tuesday following the allegations:
"We were deeply troubled to learn of the allegations made against a former temporary staffing agency, Midway Staffing. As soon as we learned of these allegations, we immediately terminated the relationship. We have strict protocols in place to ensure all vendors follow our robust global ethics and compliance policies. We have zero tolerance for any form of child labor, and we have taken action to ensure no minors perform work in or have access to our facilities."
A spokesperson for HelloFrsh added that Midway Staffing was "only providing services in a Factor facility, not HelloFresh." The spokesperson claims HelloFresh and Factor did not directly hire or employ the alleged underage workers.
Factor, a business owned by meal kit company HelloFresh, opened a plant in an Aurora neighborhood in 2020. That same year, HelloFresh acquired Factor75, a Chicago-based meal delivery company.
Midway Staffing released the following statement, denying the allegations, on Thursday:
Midway Staffing has fully cooperated with the U.S. Department of Labor (Department) and HelloFresh in what has been an ongoing Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) audit initiated by the Department as to Midway Staffing in May 2024. Midway Staffing has provided the Department with all payroll, time and personnel data the Department has requested related to workers it placed at certain Illinois facilities operated by HelloFresh. Midway Staffing continues to cooperate with the Department in its ongoing investigation.
Midway Staffing denies that its actions or practices contributed to or caused any alleged child labor violations. Midway Staffing's business and legal compliance practices strive to follow all applicable laws and industry standards. Midway Staffing refuses to knowingly hire anyone who is not at least 18 years of age.
The Department of Labor said no further information will be available until the investigation has been completed.
This is a developing story. CBS News Chicago will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
