WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently imposed sanctions on Fresh Florida Products (Fresh Florida) of Tampa, Florida, after violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The sanctions imposed include barring the business and its principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

The USDA imposed sanctions after the company failed to pay $390,603 to eight sellers for produce that was purchased, received, or accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from May 2021 to February 2022. Fresh Florida cannot operate in the produce industry until July 12, 2025, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

The company’s principal, Tareq Damra, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until July 12, 2024, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA, as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

To read the release in its entirety, click here.

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service