WASHINGTON, DC - The USDA issued sanctions against 4 produce businesses who have failed to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

These businesses and individual are currently barred from doing business in the produce industry.

McAllen, Texas based Pina Rica USA LLC, which failed to pay a $43,956 award in favor of a Georgia seller. Fernando Arellano Nunez and Karina Bautista Cadena were listed as business members at the time of the reparation order.

Fort Myers, Florida based Deleon Produce Sales Inc., which failed to pay a $17,136 award in favor of a Florida seller. Mary C. Deleon and Arnold A. Deleon were listed as the business's officers, directors, and/or major stockholders at the time of the order's issuance.

Orlando, Florida based H & H Wholesale Produce Inc., which failed to pay a $57,397 award in favor of a Florida seller. Hassan Hamdan was listed as the business's officer, director, and major stockholder at the time of the order's issuance.

Youngstown, Ohio based Boardman Vegetable Co. which failed to pay a $10,005 award in favor of an Idaho seller. John R. Campolito was listed as the business's officer, director, and major stockholder at the time of the order's issuance.

In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims under the PACA involving more than $87 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approval of the USDA. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA.

USDA