USDA cites Louisiana company for PACA violations

The USDA has imposed sanctions on Tyler’s Pride Produce LLC, Kenner, La., 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, the agency said.

Tyler’s Pride failed to pay $750,174 to seven sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from March 2020 to September 2021, according to the release. Tyler’s Pride cannot operate in the produce industry until Aug. 17, 2025, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principals, Charles St. Philip Jr. and Tammy St. Philip, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until Aug. 17, 2024, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond, the release said.

For further information, contact Corey Elliott, chief of the Investigative Enforcement Branch, at 202-720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.