NLV firm faces federal complaint

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 | 11:06 a.m.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has filed an administrative action against a North Las Vegas produce company for alleged violations of a federal agricultural law.

In the action, the USDA accuses Garden Fresh Produce Inc. of "repeated and flagrant" violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) by failing to pay five sellers $379,923 for perishable agricultural commodities between January 2002 and February 2003.

The PACA law regulates interstate and international commerce between companies that buy and sell fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. All companies trading in fresh and frozen produce must be licensed by the USDA, which is authorized to suspend or revoke a license if a company violates PACA.

Garden Fresh Produce Inc. doesn't have a current business license, according to the Nevada Secretary of State's office. A number listed for the company was disconnected.

According to the USDA, Garden Fresh Produce has the right to request a hearing. If the USDA finds that the company has committed repeated and flagrant violations, the company could be barred from the produce industry for two years and its principals could be barred from working with any PACA licensed company for a year.