USDA Files Actions Against J&S Produce
Washington D.C.-
By ANUK Staff
2.22.13
The USDA has announced that it has filed an administrative action under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) against J&S Produce Corp.
The Illinois-based company allegedly failed to pay 13 produce sellers in the amount of $1,743,162 from December 2009 through April 2012.
J&S Produce Corp. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. If the USDA finds that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would 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 not without the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
The Agricultural Marketing Service, PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce companies operating under PACA. The PACA establishes a code of business conduct for the produce industry. Under it, all interstate traders in fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables must be licensed by USDA. USDA is authorized to suspend or revoke a trader’s license for violating the act.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 5,000 claims filed under the PACA involving $96 million.
Agricultural Marketing Service
