WASHINGTON, D.C. - Four PACA violators in California, Florida, and Texas have been restricted from operating in the produce industry.
BC Cosmos Inc., a Diamond Bar, California-based company, has failed to pay a $113,224 award in favor of a Washington seller. Jingying Qi was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
Aladdin Farms Inc., a Tavares, Florida-based company, has failed to pay a $5,761 award in favor of a Michigan seller. Archie J. Sagers Sr. was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
Del Valle Produce Inc., a McAllen, Texas-based company, has failed to pay a $44,766 award in favor of a Texas seller. Hugo Perez was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
Valdemar Espinoza, doing business as Espinoza Produce, also a McAllen, Texas-based company, has failed to pay a $6,420 award in favor of a Texas seller. Valdemar G. Espinoza was listed as the sole proprietor 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 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.
