Overview

• A 19-year-old sanitation worker was killed on July 13 when the industrial meat grinder he was cleaning at Tina’s Burritos plant in Vernon unexpectedly activated and trapped him.
• Vernon Police Department Sgt. Daniel Onopa confirmed no foul play is suspected and characterized the incident as a tragic accident.
• The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health and the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office have launched a joint investigation into potential mechanical failures and lockout-tagout lapses.
• Tina’s Burritos has not issued a public statement and the victim’s identity remains withheld pending notification of next of kin.
• The fatality underscores persistent industry challenges in enforcing machine-shutdown protocols and worker safety training at food-processing facilities.