WASHINGTON, D.C. - Two PACA violators in Alabama and South Carolina have been restricted from operating in the produce industry, according to a USDA press release.

Alejandro Alarcon Vega, operating as Alex Produce, a Birmingham, AL based company, failed to pay a $4,582 award in favor of a Georgia seller. Alejandro Alarcon Vega was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.

Fermin Arellano-Campuzano, operating as F&C Arellano, a West Columbia, SC based company, failed to pay a $20,413 award in favor of a Michigan seller. Fermin C. Arellano was listed as the sole proprietor 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 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.

USDA