The USDA has imposed sanctions on Burbano Corporation, doing business as CasaBella Farms Corp. (Burbano), Miramar, Fla., for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from the USDA, according to a news release.

Burbano failed to pay $385,084 to four sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from March 2020 to September 2021, in violation of the PACA, the release said. Burbano cannot operate in the produce industry until July 11, 2025, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principal, Luis Burbano, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until July 11, 2024, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond, the release said.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

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 further information, contact Corey Elliott, chief of the Investigative Enforcement Branch, at 202-720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.

Source: thepacker.com