WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it has imposed sanctions against Woolwich, New Jersey-based Southern Sun for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The sanctions imposed include barring the business, as well as its principal operators, from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without the approval of the USDA.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Southern Sun LLC failed to pay $436,401 to five sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from February 2018 to November 2018. This is in violation of the PACA. Southern Sun LLC cannot operate in the produce industry until December 8, 2022, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principal, Paul Ross, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until December 8, 2021, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. The company’s other principal, Parminder Singh, has challenged his responsibility connected status.

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 prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For more information, and to read the release in its entirety, click here.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service