The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on seven 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).
The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- FNT Produce Co. (Los Angeles, California) for failing to pay a $13,043 award to a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Frank P. Aguirre was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder.
- Mexamers Inc. (Brooklyn, N.Y.) for failing to pay a $14,901 award to a New Jersey seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Reuben Aguliar was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder.
- California Fruit 183 Corp. (New York, N.Y.) for failing to pay an $11,824 award in favor of a New York seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Eugenio Alberto Cepin was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder.
- Fruteria El Campesino LLC (Aloha, Oregon) for failing to pay a $57,643 award to a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Carlos Garcia, Maria L. Garcia Pineda, and Salvadore G. Galvan were listed as members.
- Ultra Orange LLC (Miami, Florida) for failing to pay a $189,538 award to a Delaware seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Claudio Sira was listed as the member and manager.
- Maco Trading Company LLC. (El Paso, Texas) for failing to pay a $30,694 award to a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Mario Colokuris was listed as the manager.
- Market Fresh Produce U.S.A. LLC (McAllen, Texas) for failing to pay a $48,224 award to a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Abel Lozano was listed as a member.
The USDA has also imposed sanctions on Peak Seasons Produce LLC, Miami Lakes, Fla., for violating PACA.
Peak Seasons Produce LLC failed to pay $413,737 to four sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from February 2023 to May 2023. This violates PACA. The company cannot operate in the produce industry until Oct. 3, 2026, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company's principals, Timothy Plumadore, and Justin Daye, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until Oct. 3, 2025, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
Click here for an overview of companies that previously violated PACA.
For more information:
Penny Robinson-Landrigan (restrictions)
USDA
Tel: +1 (202) 720-2890
[email protected]
www.ams.usda.gov
Corey Elliott (citation)
USDA
Tel: +1 (202) 720-6873
[email protected]
www.ams.usda.gov