The USDA has imposed sanctions on J & J Distributing Co. Saint Paul, Minn., 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.
J & J failed to pay $493,611 to 12 sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from June 2020 to April 2021, according to a news release.
This is in violation of the PACA. J & J cannot operate in the produce industry until July 12, 2024, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principals, Jason Jaynes and New Harvest Foods Inc., may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until July 12, 2023, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond, according to the release.
USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.
For further information, contact Corey Elliott, Chief, Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.
