The USDA has cited Salinas, California-based company Drobnick Distributing Inc. for failure to pay $1,466,029 to one seller for 55 lots of produce, according to a press release.
Consequently, Drobnick Distributing Inc. has entered into a consent decision barring the company from the produce industry until March 12, 2016, at which time it may apply for a PACA license.
The company’s principals, Edward and Deborah Drobnick, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until March 12, 2015, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims filed under PACA involving more than $87 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, and major stockholders may not be employed by 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.
Agricultural Marketing Service
