The USDA has imposed sanctions on Cantero Produce Corp., Panama City, Fla., for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA, according to a news release.
Cantero Produce Corp. failed to pay $412,050 to two sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from August 2022 to September 2022, in violation of the PACA, the release said. Cantero Produce Corp. cannot operate in the produce industry until Oct. 15, 2026, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principal, Carlos Martinez, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until Oct. 15, 2025, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond, the USDA said.
For further information, contact Corey Elliott, chief of the Investigative Enforcement Branch, at 202-720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.
