WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA has lifted PACA reparation sanctions on Deleon Produce Sales Inc.
The Fort Myers, Florida-based company may now continue operating in the produce industry after applying for and receiving a PACA license. Mary C. Deleon and Arnold A. Deleon were listed as the officers, directors, and/or major stockholders of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee, according to a press release.
On June 2014, the company was barred from operating in the produce industry for failure to pay a $17,136 award in favor of a Florida seller.
Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals.
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, or 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.
