WASHINGTON, D.C. - Two PACA violators in Florida and North Carolina have been restricted from operating in the produce industry, according to a USDA press release.

Nutri Service Company Inc., doing business as United Fruit and Vegetable, a Miami, Florida-based company, has failed to pay an $11,000 award in favor of a New York seller. Richard Vega was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.

Seven Foods Inc., a Charlotte, North Carolina-based company, was barred for failing to pay a $13,456 award in favor of a New Jersey seller. Jeff Eckert and Christine Eckert were listed as the Officers, Directors, and/or major stockholders of the business.

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 by 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.

Agricultural Marketing Service