The state agency said that Tony Downs Food Company employed at least eight minors between the ages of 14 and 17 who were operating meat-processing equipment, violating state labor laws.
The program is based on data from the Center for Talent Innovation that concluded that 62% of disabled employees have a disability that is not visible and that most of them (97%) reported that they don’t feel comfortable disclosing their disability to their employers.
NatureSweet said it pursued B Corp certification to encourage other organizations in the produce industry to prioritize the well-being of their workers and communities.
Since the closure was announced in March, several workers have left the company before layoffs are administered. The closure affects nearly 1,000 workers.