USDA cites R & S Export & Import Inc. in Florida for PACA violations

The USDA has imposed sanctions on R & S Export & Import Inc., Doral, 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 the USDA, according to a news release.

R & S Export & Import Inc. failed to pay $298,099 to eight sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate commerce from January 2020 to April 2020, the USDA said.

This is in violation of the PACA. R & S Export & Import Inc. cannot operate in the produce industry until July 13, 2024, and then only after the company applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA, according to the release.

The company’s principals, Rabby Rampersad and Shivash Rampersad, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until July 13, 2023, 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 to 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.

For further information, contact Corey Elliott, chief of USDA's investigative enforcement branch, at (202) 720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.