Nadine Wilkins (202)720-8998Nadine.wilkins@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Benatovich Produce Inc., operating in Boca Raton, Fla., and Ricosu Tropical Products Inc., operating in Secaucus, N.J., have settled the reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
Benatovich Produce Inc.’s sole officer, director, and stockholder, Theodore A. Benatovich, may be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
Ricosu Tropical Products Inc. may again operate in the produce industry. The business’ officers, directors, and major stockholders, Orestes Hernandez, Reynaldo S. Su, and Reinaldo Su, may also be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
PACA provides for damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. Interstate traders operating as commission merchants, dealers or brokers, and conducting a sufficient volume of business must be USDA-licensed.
PACA requires USDA to suspend the license of a business that fails to pay reparations awarded against it.
Follow us on Twitter to receive the latest press releases, stories, and important updates about the Agricultural Marketing Service at: http://twitter.com/USDA_AMS_NEWS.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).