WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) imposed sanctions on Tyler’s Pride Produce in Kenner, Louisiana, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
Tyler’s Pride failed to pay $750,174 to seven sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from March 2020 to September 2021. This is in violation of the PACA. Tyler’s Pride cannot operate in the produce industry until August 17, 2025, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principals, Charles St. Philip Jr. and Tammy St. Philip, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until Aug. 17, 2024, 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.
