The USDA says it has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce.

The businesses purchased and failed to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), according to a news release. 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, the release said.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace, the release said.

For more information, contact Penny Robinson-Landrigan, chief for the Dispute Resolution Branch, at (202) 720-2890 or PACAdispute@usda.gov or visit the PACA Website.

Source: thepacker.com