Does General Mills do background checks?

Yes. General Mills runs background checks on candidates under serious consideration. Some checks review roughly the past ten years, which can make very recent convictions harder to clear.

Does General Mills drug test?

Yes, General Mills typically requires a pre-employment drug screen, and food-manufacturing safety standards make drug-free workplace rules common at its plants.

What jobs at General Mills are best for people with records?

Entry-level production, general labor, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse roles are the most accessible. Finance and some office roles face more scrutiny for theft or computer-related offenses.

Where does General Mills have plants?

General Mills is headquartered in Minneapolis and operates more than 20 plants across North America, plus offices and distribution sites.

Does General Mills Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Sometimes

General Mills states a criminal record is not an automatic disqualifier and follows EEOC guidance. It does background checks and reviews convictions individually, with plant and warehouse roles the most accessible.

General Mills does hire some people with felony records. The company has publicly stated that having a criminal record is not an automatic disqualifier for employment and that it follows EEOC guidelines when considering criminal history. Headquartered in Minneapolis — a ban-the-box state — General Mills employs more than 9,000 people at over 20 North American plants, making Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Nature Valley, Häagen-Dazs, and Blue Buffalo pet food. Background checks run on candidates under serious consideration, and some checks look back roughly ten years, so more recent convictions can be harder. Entry-level production, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse roles offer the strongest opportunities. Convictions involving theft can weigh more heavily on finance positions, and offenses involving computer use may matter for certain office roles, but for plant work the company evaluates records case by case rather than applying a blanket ban.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Production / General Labor	Case-by-case	Yes — for serious candidates	Line and general labor. Primary entry-level opportunity.
Packaging / Sanitation	Case-by-case	Yes — for serious candidates	Packaging and plant cleaning. Often the most accessible roles.
Warehouse / Distribution	Case-by-case	Yes — for serious candidates	Loading, picking, forklift. Certification helps.
Maintenance / Mechanic	Case-by-case	Yes — for serious candidates	Skilled trades. Experience or certification valued.
Finance / Office	Harder	Yes — comprehensive check	Theft convictions weigh on finance roles; computer offenses on some office roles.

General Mills Hiring Practices

General Mills is a Fortune 500 food company headquartered in Minneapolis with more than 9,000 employees at over 20 North American plants. The company has publicly stated that a criminal record is not an automatic disqualifier and that it follows EEOC guidance when weighing criminal history. Background checks are run on candidates under serious consideration, and some checks review roughly the past ten years, which can make very recent convictions harder to clear. Because General Mills is based in Minnesota, a ban-the-box state, its process generally delays criminal-history questions. Plant and warehouse roles have the steadiest openings and the most flexibility; theft convictions weigh more on finance roles and computer-related offenses can matter for certain office positions.

Tips for Getting Hired at General Mills

Apply through the General Mills careers site and target production, sanitation, packaging, or warehouse openings, where a record matters less than reliability. Since the company says a record is not an automatic disqualifier but still runs checks, be honest if asked — explain what happened, when, and how you have moved forward. Highlight steady attendance, safety habits, and readiness for physical, shift-based work. Prepare to pass a drug screen. General Mills is known for good benefits and internal advancement, so an entry-level plant job can grow into skilled trades or a lead role. Applying to multiple plants or shifts improves your odds.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply on the General Mills careers site and target production, sanitation, or warehouse roles.
2.Be honest if asked — the company says a record is not an automatic disqualifier but still runs checks.
3.Emphasize reliable attendance, safety awareness, and readiness for shift work.
4.Prepare to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
5.A forklift or maintenance certification strengthens warehouse and trades applications.
6.Apply to multiple plants and shifts to widen your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does General Mills hire felons?: Yes. General Mills has stated that having a criminal record is not an automatic disqualifier and that it follows EEOC guidance. It hires people with records, especially for production, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse roles.
Does General Mills do background checks?: Yes. General Mills runs background checks on candidates under serious consideration. Some checks review roughly the past ten years, which can make very recent convictions harder to clear.
Does General Mills drug test?: Yes, General Mills typically requires a pre-employment drug screen, and food-manufacturing safety standards make drug-free workplace rules common at its plants.
What jobs at General Mills are best for people with records?: Entry-level production, general labor, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse roles are the most accessible. Finance and some office roles face more scrutiny for theft or computer-related offenses.
Where does General Mills have plants?: General Mills is headquartered in Minneapolis and operates more than 20 plants across North America, plus offices and distribution sites.

Take Action — Direct Links

General Mills Careers
Search and apply for plant, warehouse, and corporate roles at General Mills.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
EEOC Arrest & Conviction Records Guidance
Your rights on how employers may consider criminal records.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).