WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against Lucero Produce LLC for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The company, operating from Colorado, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 14 produce sellers in the amount of $126,626 from June 2022 through September 2022.

Lucero Foods LLC 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.

For more information, contact the Investigative Enforcement Branch at (202) 720-6873 or [email protected].