The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cited two produce firms for violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, according to a USDA news release.
The companies are barred from the industry for two years and their principals are barred from employment with any PACA licensee for a year, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
u Liborio Markets #7 Inc., Colorado, for failing to pay $165,693 to 15 sellers for 197 lots of produce. Liborio Markets #7 Inc. cannot operate in the produce industry until April 4, 2016, when it may apply for a PACA license. The company’s principals, Liborio Holding Co., Enrique J. Alejo, John Alejo, and Enrique M. Alejo, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until April 4, 2015.
u Lombardo Imports Inc., Las Vegas, for failing to pay $738,006 to 51 sellers for 331 lots of produce. Lombardo Imports Inc. cannot operate in the produce industry until March 27, 2016, at which time it may apply for a PACA license. The company’s sole principal, Thomas Lombardo, may not be employed by any PACA licensee until March 27, 2015.
