USDA Files Action Against Hop Hing Produces Inc. in New York for Alleged PACA Violations
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) against Hop Hing Produces Inc., operating out of New York alleging unlawful employment of an individual under PACA employment restrictions after being given notice by USDA that the company was not permitted to employ the individual without USDA-approval and the posting of a surety bond.
According to a USDA press release, Hop Hing Produces Inc. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company willfully violated the PACA by unlawfully employing an individual under PACA employment restrictions, it could be barred from the produce industry for two years. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for one year and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,700 PACA claims involving more than $66 million. Its experts also assisted more than 7,100 callers with issues valued at approximately $100 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
