WASHINGTON, D.C. – The USDA has filed an administrative complaint against Tomato Specialties LLC, doing business as The Avocado Company International, for violations under PACA.

The Agricultural Marketing Service, an agency within USDA, alleges that the Arizona-based company made false and misleading statements and failed to account truly and correctly to five sellers in connection with 41 lots of tomatoes that it purchased in interstate and foreign commerce from May 2014 to April 2015, according to a press release.

The company will have an opportunity to request a hearing. If, however, USDA finds that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry for two years. In addition, its Principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for one year and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

All interstate traders in fresh and frozen fruits must be licensed by USDA under PACA. If any trader violates the act, USDA is authorized to suspend or revoke their license.

In the past three years, USDA has 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. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

Agricultural Marketing Service