Nadine Wilkins (202)720-8998 Nadine.wilkins@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, July 19, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative action against Mas Por Menos LLC, operating in Charlotte, N.C. The action alleges that the company committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
In the action, it is alleged that the company failed to make full payment promptly to 10 sellers in the total amount of $251,735.80 for 75 lots of perishable agricultural commodities which, the company purchased, received, and accepted in interstate or foreign commerce during the period of August 2007 through September 2008.
The company will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it could be barred from the produce industry for two years. Furthermore, 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.
The PACA establishes a code of good business conduct for the produce industry. Under it, all interstate traders in fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables must be licensed by USDA. USDA is authorized to suspend or revoke a trader’s license for violating the act.
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