Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act

USDA restricts businesses in 5 states

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:12:07 GMT

The USDA has imposed sanctions on produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce purchased from and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA, according to a news release.

The USDA said the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

RC Pro Corp., operating out of Fort Myers, Fla. , for failing to pay a $18,244 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Raidel Cruz Suarez was listed as the sole officer, director and stockholder of the business.
Breadberry Lakewood LLC, operating out of Lakewood, N.J. , for failing to pay a $61,572 award in favor of a New York seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Samual Gluck was listed as the sole member of the business.
Indita Produce LLC, operating out of Pharr, Tex. , for failing to pay a $13,415 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Demetrio Bisbardis was listed as the sole member of the business.
Roberson Onion Corp., operating out of Hazlehurst, Ga. , for failing to pay a $258,680 award in favor of a Georgia seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Steve Roberson was listed as the sole officer, director and stockholder of the business.
US Cargo Solutions LLC, operating out of Loxahatchee, Fla. , for failing to pay a $18,135 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Cesar Merino and Salvador Avelar were listed as the members of the business.
Trooex LLC, operating out of Tucson, Ariz. , for failing to pay a $35,600 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Shawn Mongan and Nitzelle Coenen were listed as the members of the business.

USDA cites New York firm for PACA violations

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:28:53 GMT

The USDA has imposed sanctions on United Vegetable Produce Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y., for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

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, according to a news release .

United Vegetable Produce Inc. failed to pay $100,025 to two sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from September 2017 to February 2020, the release said. The company cannot operate in the produce industry until June 21, 2026, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principal, Yu Xian Miao, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until June 21, 2025, 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 .

USDA files action against Michigan company for alleged PACA violations

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:30:45 GMT

The USDA has filed an administrative complaint against Lakeside Produce Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The company, operating from Michigan, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to three produce sellers in the amount of $1.148 million from August 2022 through January 2023, according to a news release .

Lakeside Produce Inc. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should the USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond, the release said. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

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

USDA restricts PACA violators in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee from operating

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:18:04 GMT

The USDA has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA, according to a news release .

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

Fresh Crop Dist., operating out of Plant City, Fla., for failing to pay a $16,280 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Justin Daye was listed as the sole officer, director and stockholder of the business.
Agritrade Farms LLC, operating out of Deerfield, Fla., for failing to pay a $2985 award in favor of a Georgia seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Ayal Raz was listed as the sole member of the business.
Sunbelt Produce Distributors Inc., operating out of Forest Park, Ga., for failing to pay a $85,303 award in favor of a Wisconsin seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Bernard Syme was listed as the sole officer, director and stockholder of the business.
ARR LLC, operating out of Nashville, Tenn., for failing to pay a $23,831 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Carlos Arrendondo was listed as the sole member of the business.

For more information, contact Penny Robinson-Landrigan, chief of the Dispute Resolution Branch, at 202-720-2890 or PACAdispute@usda.gov .

USDA files action against Maryland company for alleged PACA violations

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:44:34 GMT

The USDA has filed an administrative complaint against Smile Onion 7 Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The company, operating from Maryland, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 15 produce sellers in the amount of $1.017 million from October 2022 through December 2023, according to a news release .

Smile Onion 7 Inc. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should the USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond, the release said. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

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

USDA files action against New Jersey firm

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:51:48 GMT

The USDA has filed an administrative complaint against James Corrado Inc., doing business as Corrado Specialty Goods and Corrado’s Wine Grapes Inc. (Corrado), for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The company, operating from New Jersey and doing business as Corrado Specialty Goods, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 12 produce sellers in the amount of $1,101,728 from April 2020 through May 2022, according to a news release. The company, operating from New Jersey and doing business as Corrado’s Wine Grapes Inc., also allegedly failed to make payment promptly to three produce sellers in the amount of $515,561 from September 2020 through October 2021, the release said.

Corrado will have an opportunity to request a hearing, the release said. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

For more information, contact Corey Elliott, chief for the Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.

USDA cites Fresh Florida Products Inc. for PACA violations

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 18:43:19 GMT

The USDA has imposed sanctions on Fresh Florida Products Inc. Tampa, Fla., for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

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 .

Fresh Florida failed to pay $390,603 to eight sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from May 2021 to February 2022, according to the release. This is in violation of the PACA. Fresh Florida cannot operate in the produce industry until July 12, 2025, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA, the release said

The company’s principal, Tareq Damra, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until July 12, 2024, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond, according to the release.

For further information, contact Corey Elliott, Chief, Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov .

USDA restricts PACA violators in California, Illinois and Texas

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:20:24 GMT

The USDA recently imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of the produce they purchased.

Those obligations include failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, according to a news release . The sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry, according to the release:

Cadence Gourmet LLC, doing business as Cadence Kitchen, operating out of Corona, Calif., for failing to pay a $56,609 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Brian & Tina Wynn Community Property Trust, Brian Wynn Family Trust, Alexander Klein and Brian J. Wynn were listed as managers and members of the business.
San Isidro Fresh Produce Inc., operating out of Chicago, for failing to pay a $29,680 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Emmanuel Garcia was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
First Quality Produce LLC, operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay a $7,200 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Oscar Manuel Corral Vega and Elizabeth Vega Trujillo were listed as managers and members of the business.

USDA says it is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. 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, the release said.

For more information, contact Penny Robinson-Landrigan, chief of the Dispute Resolution Branch, at 202-720-2890 or PACAdispute@usda.gov.

USDA files action against Florida business for alleged PACA violations

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:00:26 GMT

The USDA has filed an administrative complaint against Cantero Produce Corp. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The company, operating from Florida, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to two produce sellers in the amount of $412,050 from August 2022 through September 2022, according to a recent news release . Cantero will have an opportunity to request a hearing.

Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond, according to the release. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

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

USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on California produce company

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:21:25 GMT

The USDA says a Los Angeles-based company has satisfied a $31,200 reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act involving unpaid produce transactions.

Parimar Inc., doing business as D. DeFranco & Sons, has met its obligations and is now free to operate in the produce industry. Gerald S. DeFranco, Paul F. DeFranco and Richard J. DeFranco were listed as the officers, directors or major stockholders of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee, according to a news release.

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions. This may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.

USDA says it is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. 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.

Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals.

For more information, contact Penny Robinson-Landrigan, chief of the Dispute Resolution Branch, at 202-720-2890 or PACAdispute@usda.gov.

USDA takes action against Texas company for alleged PACA violations

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:50:06 GMT

The USDA has filed an administrative complaint against Heyvel Produce LLC for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The company, operating from Texas, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to one produce seller in the amount of $405,163 from June 2022 through July 2022, according to a news release from the USDA .

Heyvel will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond, the release said.

Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

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

USDA cites Island Fresh De Puerto Rico Inc. for PACA violations

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 20:46:07 GMT

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.

USDA files action against California company for alleged PACA violations

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 15:56:41 GMT

The USDA has filed an administrative complaint against VIP Marketing Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The company, operating from California, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to three produce sellers in the amount of $408,983 from May 2021 through October 2021, according to a news release .

VIP Marketing Inc. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond, the release said. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

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

USDA files action against Virginia company for alleged PACA violations

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 17:16:43 GMT

The USDA has filed an administrative complaint against GoGreen Farms Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The company, operating from Virginia, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to three produce sellers in the amount of $313,036 from September 2021 through April 2022, according to a news release .

GoGreen Farms will have an opportunity to request a hearing, the release said. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

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

USDA cites Florida firm for PACA violations

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:41:03 GMT

The USDA has imposed sanctions on Burbano Corporation, doing business as CasaBella Farms Corp. (Burbano), Miramar, 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 .

Burbano failed to pay $385,084 to four sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from March 2020 to September 2021, in violation of the PACA, the release said. Burbano cannot operate in the produce industry until July 11, 2025, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principal, Luis Burbano, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until July 11, 2024, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond, the release said.

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, the release said.

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

USDA restricts PACA violators in Michigan and Texas

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:17:09 GMT

The USDA has imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA, according to a news release.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry, according to the release:

The Apple Truck LLC, operating out of Ann Arbor, Mich., for failing to pay a $27,803 award in favor of a Michigan seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Apley Dale and Bird Dog Agribusiness were listed as members of the business.
CFG Produce Inc., operating out of Lantana, Texas, for failing to pay a $151,053 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Shawn E. Jackson was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.

For more information, contact Penny Robinson-Landrigan, chief of the Dispute Resolution Branch, at 202-720-2890 or PACAdispute@usda.gov.

USDA bans 3 businesses from operating for PACA violations

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 19:13:24 GMT

The USDA has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for a failure to meet contractual obligations to produce sellers the companies purchased, according to a news release.

The USDA said it also imposed sanctions on the companies for a failure to pay reparations issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

As part of its sanctions, the agency barred the principal operators of these businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed businesses, suspending the PACA licenses of the businesses in question.

The USDA said it restricted these businesses and individuals from operating in the produce industry:

La Michoacana Fruit Wholesale, operating out of Los Angeles, for failing to pay $106,628 to a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, the USDA said the business listed Jaqueline P. Garduno as the officer, director and major stockholder.
Figota Produce Co. LLC, operating out of Las Vegas, for failing to pay $18,900 to a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, the business listed Jose Jesus Figueroa as the member and manager of the business.
JD Produce Maspeth LLC, operating out of Maspeth, N.Y., for failing to pay $3,352 to a New York buyer. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, the business listed Shengbo Dong as the member and manager of the business.

USDA restricts four PACA violators

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 17:23:47 GMT

The USDA has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA, according to a news release.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

Fresh Life Co., operating out of Moreno Valley, Calif., for failing to pay a $15,780 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Gabriel Gomez and Rose Mata were listed as the officers, directors and/or major stockholders of the business.
Dukarani Food Processing Inc., operating out of Minneapolis, for failing to pay an $11,040 award in favor of an Illinois seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Fomba S. Konjan and Mohammed Dukuly were listed as the officers, directors and/or major stockholders of the business.
New Start Produce Group LLC, operating out of Dallas, for failing to pay a $33,214 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Carlos Chavez and Ruben Ayala were listed as the members of the business.
Nationwide Foods LLC, operating out of Grand Prairie, Texas, for failing to pay a $12,243 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Rosario Lanao was listed as the manager of the business.

For more information, contact Penny Robinson-Landrigan, chief at the Dispute Resolution Branch, at (202) 720-2890 or PACAdispute@usda.gov.

USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on produce business in Illinois

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:09:51 GMT

The USDA says that Two Fish Distribution Co., Chicago, satisfied a reparation order in the amount of $27,803, issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act involving unpaid produce transactions.

The company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license, according to a news release . Yasmin Curtis was listed as the sole officer, director and stockholder of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee, the release said.

Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals, the release said. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.

For more information, contact Penny Robinson-Landrigan, chief of the Dispute Resolution Branch, PACA Division, at 202-720-2890 or PACAdispute@usda.gov.

USDA restricts PACA violators in Connecticut, New York and Texas

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:15:44 GMT

The USDA has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce, according to a news release .

The sanctions were related to produce purchases by the businesses and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, the release said.

These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring their principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

C. Liberatore LLC, operating out of Hartford, Conn., for failing to pay a $26,903 award in favor of a New York seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Carmine Liberatore was listed as the sole member of the business.
Marchella of NY Inc., operating out of Oceanside, N.Y., for failing to pay a $103,509 award in favor of a New York seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Manashe Yukhananov was listed as the sole officer, director and stockholder of the business.
Prometo Produce Corp., operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay a $15,400 award in favor of a Minnesota seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Vicente Diaz Moreno was listed as the sole officer, director and stockholder of the business.

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, the release said.

For more information, contact Penny Robinson-Landrigan, chief of the Dispute Resolution Branch, PACA Division, at 202-720-2890 or PACAdispute@usda.gov.

USDA files action against New York company for alleged PACA violations

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:33:34 GMT

The USDA has filed an administrative complaint against United Vegetable Produce Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The company, operating from New York, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to two produce sellers in the amount of $100,025 from September 2017 through February 2020, according to a recent news release . United Vegetable will have an opportunity to request a hearing.

Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond, according to the release. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

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

USDA files PACA complaint against Double D Sales

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:34:06 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against Double D Sales Co. Inc. for violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

Double D Sales, Visalia, Calif., allegedly failed to pay three produce sellers $378,663 for product from July-September 2018, according to a news release.

The company can request a hearing. If the USDA finds Double D Sales violated the PACA, it will be barred from operating in the industry as a PACA licensee for three years, or two years with an approved surety bond, according to the release. Principal operators can be barred to two years from being employed by or affiliated with a PACA licensee, or one year with an approved surety bond.

Related stories:

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$600,000 PACA violation leads to loss of license for NY company

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:36:28 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions against CKF Produce Corp. for Perishable Agricultural Act violations.

CKF, Brooklyn, N.Y., failed to pay $596,354 to 17 produce sellers, for items that were received from March 2017 to November 2018, according to a news release. The USDA sanctions include barring the company from operating in the industry until May 15, 2022, and only after receiving USDA approval for a PACA license.

Koji Ueno, the company’s principal, cannot be employed or affiliated with a PACA licensee until May 15, 2021, and only then if the USDA approves a surety bond.

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USDA sanctions PACA violators in Florida, Texas

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:36:28 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on a company in Florida and one in Texas for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The USDA reported in a news release that the companies failed to pay PACA reparations and are barred from operating in the industry, as well as the principal operators as the companies.

The sanctioned companies are:

Lau Enterprises II Inc., Miami Lakes, Fla., for failing to pay $7,132 to a seller in Honduras. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Leonardo Gonzalez was listed as the officer, director and/or major stockholder of the business.
Loreas Fresh Produce Inc., Pharr, Texas, for failing to pay $4,270 to a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Rolando Loera Mendoza was listed as the officer, director and/or major stockholder of the business.

Related stories:

USDA files PACA complaint against Double D Sales

So Ono Food Products faces $1.34 million PACA complaint

LoneStar Produce faces PACA violation allegations

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:39:18 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against LoneStar Produce Express LLC , alleging the company violated the Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act.

LoneStar Produce, San Antonio, failed to pay nine produce sellers for $283,844 from December 2017 to October 2019, according to a news release.

The company can request a PACA hearing; if the USDA finds the company violated the PACA, it faces a three-year ban on owning a PACA license, or two years with a bond approved by the USDA.

Principals would not be able to work at or be affiliated with a PACA licensee for two years, or one year with an approved surety bond by the USDA.

Related stories:

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Custom Fresh Cuts loses PACA license for $700K in unpaid produce

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USDA issues PACA sanctions against Coram Deo Farms

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:40:44 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Coram Deo Farms Inc. , Tubac, Ariz., pulling its Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act license.

The company didn’t pay $221,564 to four sellers of produce for product that was received from July 2017 to March 2018, according to a news release. Coram Deo cannot operate in the industry until April 7, 2022, and only if they apply for and are issued a new PACA license from the USDA.

Coram Deo principals Adrian Pryor and Oscar Lopez cannot be employed by or affiliated with a PACA licensee until April 7, 2022, and then only after posting a USDA-approved surety bond, according to the release.

Related stories:

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Trinity Fresh loses PACA license in $4 million sanction

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:42:28 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has barred Trinity Fresh Distribution from operating in the produce industry, with almost $4 million in unpaid shipments.

Trinity Fresh, Sacramento, Calif., has $3.9 million in unpaid produce bills, according to the USDA, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, according to a news release.

The company received the produce from 10 sellers from March 2018 to January 2019, according to a news release.

The company is barred from operating in the industry until June 3, 2022, and only after applying for and receiving a new PACA license.

The company’s principal, Paul Abess, cannot be employed by or affiliated with a PACA licensee until June 3, 2021, if he applies for and receives a USDA-approved surety bond, according to the release.

Related stories:

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