WASHINGTON - The USDA announced that G & J Fresh Produce LLC satisfied a reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to the USDA, the McAllen, Texas-based company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Josue De La Fuente and Gisela Munoz were listed as members of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
As we've previously reported, the USDA filed action against G & J Fresh Produce for failure to pay a $5,922 award in favor of a Texas seller.
Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, the USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. The USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million. USDA experts have also assisted more than 7,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $110 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.
