WASHINGTON - The USDA has suspended Pittsgrove, New Jersey-based ABI Imports Inc.’s Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) license for failing to make its records available for review.

According to a USDA press release, ABI Imports Inc. refused to allow inspection of its records as part of an ongoing investigation under PACA, and its PACA license was suspended as a result of the refusal. The suspension will remain in place until the records are made available. During the suspension, ABI Imports Inc. may not operate subject to PACA, according to the release.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million. USDA experts have also assisted more than 7,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $110 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approval of the USDA. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA.

Agriculture Marketing Service