Kentucky McDonalds in violation of child labor laws after hiring 10-year-olds to work, often until 2 am

The agency found three franchisees that own over 60 McDonald's locations across Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, and Ohio, committed violations of child labor laws. They employed 305 children to work more than the legally permitted hours, as well as performing tasks prohibited by law for young workers, the Labor Department said in a statement.

The three franchisees - Bauer Food, Archways Richwood, and Bell Restaurant Group - have yet to provide any comment, CNN reports

The Labor Department said that investigators from the department's Wage and Hour Division found two 10-year-old workers at a Louisville McDonald's restaurant among many violations of federal labor laws committed by the franchise operators. "Investigators also determined two 10-year-old children were employed - but not paid - and sometimes worked as late as 2 am."

The three franchisees could face up to $212,754 in civil money penalties for child labor violations, according to the release. "Under no circumstances should there ever be a 10-year-old child working in a fast-food kitchen around hot grills, ovens and deep fryers," said Karen Garnett-Civils, the agency's wage and hour division district director, in a statement.