USDA PACA updates in Texas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Bella Fresh Houston LLC, Houston, Texas, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.
Bella Fresh failed to pay $3,154,711 to 10 sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from December 2017 to May 2019. This is in violation of the PACA. Bella Fresh cannot operate in the produce industry until Jan. 9, 2023, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.