The USDA has restricted five companies from operating in the industry for failure to pay a combined total of $337, 667.
Miami, Fl-based Worldwide Produce & Groceries Inc., failed to pay $274,441 to 11 sellers for 91 lots of produce, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The company is barred from the industry until May 3, 2015, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license. The company’s principal is challenging his responsibly connected status.
Also currently restricted from the industry are:
Klayman Produce Co. Inc., operating out of Philadelphia, Pa., for failure to pay a $16,743 award in favor of a California seller. Mark E. Klayman was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
Brooklyn, N.Y –based Jaya Produce Inc., for failure to pay a $4,464 award in favor of a Virginia seller. Kok Heng Shoo was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
Ismael Mariano, operating out of San Diego, Calif., for failure to pay a $25,240 award in favor of a California seller. Ismael Mariano was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
La Villa, Texas-based De Bruyn Produce Co., for failure to pay a $16,779 award in favor of an Oregon seller. Margaret De Bruyn was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
