The USDA has filed an administrative action under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act against Virginia-based Fresh World One Inc.The company has allegedly failed to pay 10 produce growers $328,497 from September 2008 and November 2010.

Fresh World One Inc.will have an opportunity to request a hearing and should the USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry for a period of two years, according to a press release. In addition to these conditions, the 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.

The USDA has resolved an estimated 5,000 claims filed under the PACA involving $96 million in just the past three years.