Compliance perspectives for employers in the food manufacturing industry.

The food manufacturing industry performs an essential function--making sure the country's population has access to safe and plentiful food at all times. Much like mail delivery, neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night should prevent the stocking of grocery shelves.

Being essential doesn't mean the industry isn't scrutinized by an array of federal regulatory agencies. The Department of Agriculture plays a role. So does the Food and Drug Administration. For example, when the major manufacturer of baby formula was suspected of selling contaminated products, the FDA shut it down even though the move led to widespread shortages.

Three major issues pose compliance challenges for food manufacturers:

* Immigration

* Child labor

* Food and worker safety.

Immigration

Work in the food manufacturing industry can be grueling, and it often attracts workers with limited skills. In general, workers are not paid very much. In a booming economy, that kind of work is a hard sell.

About 27% of food manufacturing workers are foreign born, including documented workers here on non-immigrant labor visas and undocumented persons. However, a significant percentage of the workforce is undocumented.

The Departments of Homeland Security, Justice and Labor are responsible for assuring that food manufacturers follow immigration and labor laws.

Child labor

The use of child labor in food manufacturing is highly regulated. The Fair Labor Standards...