USDA restricts PACA violators in Connecticut, Florida

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

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

Connecticut Fresh Inc., operating out of Stamford, Conn., for failing to pay a $282,169 award in favor of a Georgia seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Nick Bakes was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business. The other principal of the business at the time of the order was Kristina Bakes. She has challenged her responsibly connected status.
M K Produce Inc., operating out of Tampa, Fla., for failing to pay a $15,291 award in favor of a New Mexico seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Byeong Suns Ha and Joo Kyung Lee were listed as the officers, directors, and/or major stockholders of the business.

For more information:
John Koller
USDA
Tel: +1 (202) 720-2890
Fax: +1 (202) 690-2815
Email: PACAdispute@ams.usda.gov
www.ams.usda.gov/news