The USDA has suspended the PACA license of Bucks Fresh Produce LLC, McAllen, Texas, for failing to make its records available for review.
The firm violated the PACA by refusing to allow inspection of its records as part of an ongoing investigation under the PACA. As a result of this action, the suspension will remain in place until the records are made available. During the suspension, Bucks Fresh Produce LLC may not operate subject to PACA.
The company’s principals, Christopher Torres and Diana Torres, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee during the suspension.
The USDA also announced that C-Max Produce LLC satisfied a $6,518 reparation order issued under PACA involving an unpaid produce transaction.
The McAllen, Texas, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Jose A. Malpica was listed as a member of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
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 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.
Click here for an overview of companies who previously violated PACA.
For more information:
John Koller
USDA
Tel: +1 202 720 2890
Email: PACAdispute@usda.gov
www.ams.usda.gov