USDA sanctions five businesses for PACA violations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on five businesses to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The companies and principals, according to the USDA, are:

• John Lee Jr., doing business as Produce Perfection, Vernon, Calif., for failing to pay $17,228, to a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, John S. Lee Jr., was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
• AM Group Inc., Fresno, Calif., for not paying $78,874 to a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Christopher Kim was listed as the officer, director and/or major stockholder of the business.
• V & M Fresh Produce LLC, Tampa, Fla., for not paying $18,973 to a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Emilia Merchan was listed as a member or manager of the business.
• New York Produce Inc., Secaucus, N.J., for failing to pay $2,394 to a New Jersey seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Elio Valdivia was listed as the officer, director and/or major stockholder of the business.
• Start Produce Inc., San Antonio, for failing to pay $8,299 to a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Rohen Pimentel was listed as the officer, director and/or major stockholder of the business.

The sanctions include suspending the companies’ PACA licenses and barring the operators from working at or being affiliated with PACA-licensed businesses.

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