Oct 14, 2009 9:55 AM

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Fresh Harvest International Inc, operating in Weston FL, for willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). As a result, the company cannot operate in the produce industry until Sept 16, 2011, and then only if it obtains a PACA license.

The company failed to make full payment of the agreed net proceeds, or balances thereof, within 30 days after receipt of the goods from the principal in the total amount of $655,285.39 for 318 lots of produce, which the company distributed via interstate commerce from July through September 2007.

USDA served the company with a complaint, and the company consented to the entry of the decision.

The company’s sole principal, George A Ellis, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until Sept 16, 2010, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

The PACA establishes a code of good business conduct for the produce industry. Under it, all interstate traders in fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables must be licensed by USDA. The department is authorized to suspend or revoke a trader’s license for violating the act.