USDA cites Island Fresh De Puerto Rico Inc. for PACA violations
The USDA has imposed sanctions on Island Fresh De Puerto Rico Inc., Bayamon, Puerto Rico, 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.
IFPR failed to pay $1,554,566 to six sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from August 2019 to July 2020, the release said, in violation of PACA. IFPR cannot operate in the produce industry until April 11, 2025, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principal, Jorge Mayendia, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until April 11, 2024, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.
For further information, contact Corey Elliott, chief at the Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.