USDA files action over Georgia company's $1.9M PACA violations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture filed an administrative complaint against Sunbelt Produce Distributors Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company, operating from Georgia, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 20 produce sellers in the amount of $1.92 million from February 2023 through February 2024.
Sunbelt Produce Distributors Inc. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year 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.
