The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on seven 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 (PACA). 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.
- Elirey Group Inc., operating out of Jurupa Valley, Calif., for failing to pay a $58,351 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Elizabeth Reynoso and Manuel Reynoso were listed as the officers, directors, and major shareholders of the business.
- Alicia Din, doing business as Karla Din Produce Texas, operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay a $19,909 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Alicia Din was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
- Fresh Fruit & Veggie Express Inc., operating out of Houston, Texas, for failing to pay a $18,940 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Gustavo Luna was listed as the sole officer, director, and stockholder of the business.
- N&M Fresh LLC, operating out of Houston, Texas, for failing to pay a $35,975 award in favor of an Arizona seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Laura Mendoza was listed as the sole manager of the business.
The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Gabino Morales, doing business as Morales Produce, operating out of Los Angeles, Calif., for failing to pay a $6,000 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Gabino Morales was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
- GJC Produce Depot LLC, operating out of Columbus, Ohio, for failing to pay a $186,588 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Angel Fuentes Oyola was listed as the member of the business.
- J & T Wholesale Inc., operating out of Sterling, Va., for failing to pay a $29,160 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Taelim Nam was listed as the sole officer, director, and stockholder of the business.
Click here for an overview of companies that previously violated PACA.
For more information:
Penny Robinson-Landrigan
USDA
Tel.: +1 (202) 720-2890
[email protected]
www.ams.usda.gov