In a statement to NBC News, a spokesperson for PSSI said it “has an absolute company-wide prohibition against the employment of anyone under the age of 18 and zero tolerance for any violation of that policy —period.” The spokesperson added that the company mandates the use of the federal E-Verify system for new hires, “as well as extensive training, document verification, biometrics, and multiple layers of audits.” “While rogue individuals could of course seek to engage in fraud or identity theft, we are confident in our company’s strict compliance policies and will defend ourselves vigorously against these claims.” The spokesperson added that executives were “surprised” by the DOL filing given that the company “has been cooperating with their inquiry, producing extensive documents and responses.” The Department of Labor did not immediately respond to an inquiry about PSSI’s claims of compliance and cooperation.Officials executed search warrants at two plants owned by food processing company JBS USA — in Grand Island, Nebraska, and Worthington, Minnesota — and at a Turkey Valley Farms poultry processing plant in Marshall, Minnesota.“JBS has zero tolerance for child labor, discrimination or unsafe working conditions for anyone working in our facilities.” Turkey Valley Farms general manager Les Goff said in a statement the company “takes these allegations very seriously” and is reviewing the matter internally.“We expect all contractors to share our commitment to the health and safety of any individuals working in our facilities and to adhere to these principles that foster a safe work environment as well as to all applicable federal and state labor laws,” the statement continued.School records showed that one 14-year-old, who worked at the Grand Island facility from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. five to six days a week, from December 2021 to this past April, fell asleep in class and missed school after suffering injuries from chemical burns."