WASHINGTON DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against Sunbelt Produce Distributors for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The company, operating from Georgia, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 20 produce sellers in the amount of $1,922,775 from February 2023 through February 2024.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Services:

Sunbelt Produce Distributors will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

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