WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on two produce businesses under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

According to a press release from the USDA, the following companies and individuals are restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Mega Fresh LLC, a Branford, Connecticut-based company, has allegedly failed to pay a $28,438 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Gary L. Connolly was listed as a member of the business.
• Melonhead LLC, a Boulder, Colorado-based company, was barred for failing to pay a $44,366 award in favor of a Colorado seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Michael S. Joseph was listed as a member of the business.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA, which includes buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry. All oversight of actions related to PACA are conducted by AMS, an agency within the USDA.

In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million. Its experts also assisted more than 7,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $110 million. These are just two examples of how the USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

Agricultural Marketing Service