The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Johnny Avocado Inc., operating out of Lynbrook, NY, for failing to pay a $52,075 award in favor of a California seller.  As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Johnny Gouzos was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
• Bara Tropical Inc., operating out of Miami, for failing to pay an $8,604 award in favor of a Texas seller.  As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Maria M. Baglio and Flippo Baglio were listed as the officers, directors and/or major stockholders of the business.
• Fresh Produce Express LLC, operating out of Miami, for failing to pay a $7,024 award in favor of a South Carolina seller.  As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Henry M. Cabrera was listed as a member of the business.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,350 PACA claims involving more than $63 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $156 million.