Pennsylvania company cited for $200K PACA violation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Northeast Tomato Distributors Inc. of Hanover Township, PA, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. 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.
Northeast Tomato Distributors Inc. failed to pay $219,173 to five sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from August 2022 to November 2022. This is in violation of the PACA. Northeast Tomato Distributors Inc. cannot operate in the produce industry until July 9, 2026, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principals, Linda Good and Patrick Good, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until July 9, 2025, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.
In the past three years, USDA handled more than 2,340 cases valued at $126.3 million. PACA staff also assisted over 5,600 callers with issues valued at $146.7 million.
