USDA files PACA action against frozen food firm

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against Atlantic Frozen Foods LLC for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The company, operating from Pennsylvania, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to six produce sellers in the amount of $1,176,084 from December 2021 through May 2023.

Atlantic Frozen Foods LLC 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.

For more information, contact Corey Elliott, Chief, Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.