USDA cites Florida Cool Cargo Inc. in Florida for PACA violations

(File image)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on Florida Cool Cargo Inc. (Florida Cool), Miami, Fla., for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). 

These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operator of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.
Florida Cool failed to pay $115,806 to five sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from May 2019 to July 2019. This is in violation of the PACA. Florida Cool cannot operate in the produce industry until July 23, 2023, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principals, Yosuan Fernandez and Jesse Fernandez, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until July 23, 2022, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.

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.

Tags

 

Latest News

Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership
Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership

Ski-cross athlete Emeline Bennett will share food tips, highlights and more through Oppy’s social media channels.

World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase
World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase

With more than 1,500 options among its offerings, World Variety Produce had plenty of options to highlight at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase
AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase

The company says the acquisition will expand its postharvest portfolio and that it plans to collaborate with Valent BioSciences to develop future products to boost produce freshness.

Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons
Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons

Wonderful also promoted its No Shells pistachios, including its new Jalapeño Lime flavor, at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer
NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer

The National Grocers Association has welcomed Caroline Sar as its manager of marketing and member engagement and promoted Max Wengroff to senior manager of government relations.

Vidalia onion promotions ready to roll
Vidalia onion promotions ready to roll

With Vidalia onions soon heading to supermarket shelves, retailers have options to enhance their marketing, and the Vidalia Onion Committee and Certified Angus Beef will feature a summer grilling series on social media.