The USDA has imposed sanctions on Central Market of Florida II Inc., Sarasota, 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.
Central Market failed to pay $150,383 to eight sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from November 2019 to May 2020, the USDA said, a PACA violation. Central Market cannot operate in the produce industry until May 23, 2024, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principals, Nathan and Marsha Forrest, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until May 23, 2023, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond, according to the release.
For further information, contact Corey Elliott, chief of the Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.
