WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a press release issued by the the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the department has announced its citation of Sun Produce Specialties LLC, Phoenix, Ariz., for unlawful employment of an individual under PACA employment restrictions after being given notice by the USDA that the company was not permitted to employ that individual without USDA-approval and the posting of a surety bond.

According to a press release, USDA and Sun Produce Specialties entered into a consent decision and order finding that the company violated section 8(b) of PACA and revoking the company’s PACA license. However, the finding and revocation are in abeyance so long as the company pays a civil penalty of $20,000 no later than July 29, 2016. If the company satisfies the terms of the consent decision and order, the finding of violation and license revocation will be permanently abated without further process and the case will be closed.

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.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,700 PACA claims involving more than $66 million. Its experts also assisted more than 7,100 callers with issues valued at approximately $100 million.

Agricultural Marketing Service