USDA sanctions four companies under PACA
There’s been a bumper crop of sanctions on produce companies in the last few days. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced nine sanctions between Thursday and Friday of last week, and today has imposed sanctions on four more businesses that failed to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
The following businesses and responsibly connected individuals are currently restricted from operating in the industry, according to a news release:
- Sarita Ranch Provission Inc., a distributor based in the Los Angeles metro area, for failing to pay a $101,327 award in favor of an Idaho seller. Miguel S. Ortega was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
- Appleseed Organic Produce LLC, Richmond, Calif., for failing to pay a $14,595 award in favor of a Washington seller. Brett Cummins was listed as a member of the business.
- Valley Produce Corp, Jonesboro, Ga., for failing to pay a $65,340 award in favor of a Texas seller. Mario A. Lazo was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
- Huntington Products Inc., Raleigh, N.C., for failing to pay a $2,174 award in favor of a Texas seller. Bryan Flores was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.