USDA files PACA action against PA tomato distributor

WASHINGTON, Feb 27, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against Northeast Tomato Distributors Inc. (Northeast) BB #:162213 for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

The company, operating from Pennsylvania, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to five produce sellers in the amount of $219,173 from August 2022 through November 2022.

Northeast 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.

Contact Info
Public Affairs
PA@usda.gov
(202) 720-8998
Release No. 034-24