WASHINGTON D.C. - Four PACA violators in New York, Florida, Illinois and California have been restricted from operating in the produce industry, according to a USDA press release.

Joseph Aiello & Sons Inc., a Albany, New York-based company, failed to pay a $7,747 award in favor of a Minnesota seller. Joseph J. Aiello Jr. was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.

Vegfruitworld Corp., a Opa Locka, Florida-based company, failed to pay a $5,184 award in favor of a Georgia seller. Hugo T. Coral, Jose J. Quezada and Levy P. Zapata were listed as Officers, Directors, and/or major stockholders of the business.

Nico Mexi Foods Inc., a Chicago, Illinois-based company, failed to pay a $7,547 award in favor of an Illinois seller. Nicolas Ibarra was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.

Campesinos International Trading Inc., a Ventura, California-based company, failed to pay a $16,040 award in favor of a California seller. Arturo Hernandez, La Esperanza Farms Inc. and Carlos Tapia were listed as the Officers, Directors, and/or major stockholders of the business.

In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims under the PACA involving more than $87 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