WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that it has imposed sanctions on United Vegetable Produce of Brooklyn, New York, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The sanctions include barring the company and its principal operator from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

Direct From the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

United Vegetable Produce failed to pay $100,025 to two sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from September 2017 to February 2020. This is in violation of the PACA. United Vegetable Produce cannot operate in the produce industry until June 21, 2026, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principal, Yu Xian Miao, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until June 21, 2025, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.

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.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For contact information, and to read the release in its entirety, click here.