DENVER—A federal agency alleges Leprino Foods Co. discriminated against qualified African American, Asian and Hispanic applicants for on-call positions at its Lemoore West facility in California.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs asked in an administrative complaint that Leprino not hold federal contracts until the complaint is resolved. Denver-based Leprino has $5 million in contracts to provide mozzarella and whey products to the federal Farm Service Agency.
The complaint says Leprino tested for skills like applied math for on-call positions involving tasks such as inspecting products or cleaning. Minorities generally tested worse than non-minorities.
The complaint seeks back wages and interest for at least 270 people, plus job offers for at least 17 applicants.
A company spokesman didn’t return a phone message seeking comment Friday.
