Crumbl Cookies, the popular bakery franchise, violated child labor laws in 6 states (2024)

FAQs

How did Crumbl Cookies violate child labor laws? ›

Per a press release obtained by ABC4, an investigation found that the franchises in question allowed young employees, "many 14 and 15 years of age," to work more than the law permits or in "hazardous or prohibited occupations." Additional violations included minors operating dangerous machinery, like ovens, and working ...

The suit alleged that Dirty Dough infringed on Crumbl Cookies, producing products “similar to Crumbl's in both expression and look and feel.” The suit also called out Dirty Dough's packaging as “confusingly similar to Crumbl's packaging.”

The U.S. Department of Labor fined Crumbl Cookies franchises in six states last month for violating child labor regulations. Following a federal investigation, the franchise owners were hit with penalties totaling nearly $58,000.

The so-called “Utah cookie wars” began in May 2022 when Crumbl filed a federal lawsuit accusing rivals Dirty Dough and Crave Cookie Co. of using what it called “confusingly similar” logos, websites and other marketing materials.

Crumbl Cookies, the TikTok-famous cookie chain, is feeling the heat after a federal investigation found that nearly a dozen of the company's franchise locations violated child labor law regulations.

Crumbl Cookies Franchises has an employee rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars, based on 1,160 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there.

Crumbl's statement concluded: ”Crumbl and Dirty Dough are pleased that they have been able to work together to resolve this dispute and each remains dedicated to serving its customers with excellence. Crumbl and Dirty Dough wish each other success in their future endeavors.”

The consumer advocacy group wrote that a chocolate chip cookie from Crumbl has a full day's worth of saturated fat and more than half a day's worth of added sugar.

These cookies fall squarely under that title of “viral sensation.” They are often dragged for their doughy, cakey texture, their sometimes questionable flavors, and, most often, for being far too sweet—they are topped with frosting after all.

Starbucks sued for allegedly using coffee from farms with rights abuses while touting its 'ethical' sourcing. The lawsuit calls for the coffee chain to end its “unfair and deceptive” trade practices and argues that the company is aware of the child and forced labor on some of its supplier farms.

What chocolate companies are sued for child labor? ›

The suit, brought by International Rights Advocates in the D.C. Superior Court, accuses chocolate giants Mars, Mondelēz and Cargill of purposely dragging their feet to phase out the use of child labor, misleading the public about their efforts and condemning generations of children to a life of poverty and dangerous ...

They were founded by 2 Mormon cousins in Utah. I know they were founded by cousins. I just didn't know they were Mormons. I believe they tend to have a sweet tooth.

Since opening its doors five years ago, Crumbl has expanded to over 800+ bakeries in 50 states, making it the fastest-growing cookie company in the U.S.