WASHINGTON - The USDA has lifted reparation sanctions on Limas Produce Inc., a Vernon, California-based company, finding that it has satisfied a reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

According to a press release from the USDA, Limas Produce Inc. has met its obligations and is now free to operate in the produce industry. Cecilio Lima was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.

In February 2015, Limas Produce Inc. had allegedly failed to pay a $3,126 award in favor of a California seller.

Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, the USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. The USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.

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.

Agricultural Marketing Service