Retailers suspend dealings with Mich. fruit grower

By JAMES PRICHARD Associated Press Writer

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - Wal-Mart, Kroger and Meijer are suspending business with a large southwestern Michigan blueberry grower after investigators found children as young as 6 working in the grower's fields.

The retailers said Friday they have stopped buying products from Adkin Blue Ribbon Blueberry Co. near South Haven.

The U.S. Department of Labor says its investigators found four children working in Adkin's fields on July 8. At least two were under 12, including the 6-year-old.

Adkin general manager Tony Marr says the company enforces a strict written policy that says children cannot work in its fields.

Michigan is the nation's largest blueberry producer with 110 million pounds harvested last year.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - Two major retailers are suspending business with a large southwestern Michigan blueberry grower after learning investigators found children as young as 6 working in the grower's fields.

Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. and Grand Rapids-based Meijer Inc. said Friday they have stopped buying products from Adkin Blue Ribbon Blueberry Co. near South Haven.

The U.S. Department of Labor says its investigators found four children working in Adkin's fields on July 8. At least two were under 12, including the 6-year-old.

Michigan is the nation's largest blueberry producer with 110 million pounds harvested last year.

A telephone message seeking comment was left at the company.