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.