Teenage Cleaner Fatally Sucked Into Meat Grinder At California Burrito Factory, Investigation Underway

A tragic workplace accident at a California frozen food factory claimed the life of a 19-year-old sanitation worker on Sunday night. The teen, whose identity has not been released, was killed after being sucked into a meat grinder at the Tina’s Burritos food processing plant in Vernon, near Los Angeles. According to Vernon Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Daniel Onopa, the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. during an after-hours sanitation shift. The teenager was cleaning the machine when it suddenly powered on and pulled him inside. Other workers reportedly heard his screams and rushed to shut down the equipment, but it was too late. By the time first responders arrived, the teen had already died.

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The circumstances surrounding how the meat grinder became operational during cleaning remain unclear. Police say foul play is not suspected, but the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has launched a formal investigation to determine if there were safety violations or equipment malfunctions.

"Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and coworkers affected by this tragedy,” Sgt. Onopa said in a statement. “We are doing everything we can to support the investigation and ensure a thorough review of workplace safety practices.” The teen was reportedly part of the factory's sanitation crew, responsible for cleaning equipment after regular operating hours. Questions are now being raised about why the machine was still powered or capable of being activated during cleaning—a basic safety measure that many believe should have been in place.
Social media has erupted in shock and grief over the incident. One user wrote, “Surely these machines need to be unplugged before it gets cleaned? What a horrible way to go.” Another added, “This is unspeakably horrific. His coworkers must be traumatised.”

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Adding to the public concern are past incidents in California involving fatal workplace accidents. In 2015, Bumble Bee Foods paid a 6 million Dollars settlement after an employee, Jose Melena, was accidentally cooked inside a massive industrial oven filled with canned tuna.
Tina’s Burritos, known for its single-serve frozen meals, has yet to issue a public statement. Calls for the company to address safety concerns and review employee protocols are growing.