USDA files PACA action against California citrus firm

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against California Fresh Citrus Company (CFCC) for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The company, operating from California, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to two produce sellers in the amount of $1,128,040 from March 2019 through March 2020.

CFCC 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.