WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against Hurst Produce and Flowers Corp. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The company, operating from Pennsylvania, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to nine produce sellers in the amount of $296,668 from September 2022 through November 2023.

Hurst Produce and Flowers Corp. 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.