WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has determined that Chris Cervini was responsibly connected to Lakeside Produce Inc., Taylor, Mich. This is an update to Press Release No: 180-24 issued on Dec. 18, 2024.
Lakeside Produce Inc. violated the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) by failing to pay a reparation award totaling $667,833 in favor of a Michigan seller. As a result, USDA imposed sanctions on the business, including requiring that all principals may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
USDA made an initial determination that Chris Cervini was responsibly connected to Lakeside Produce Inc., and subject to sanction. Chris Cervini contested this initial determination, and USDA has determined that Chris Cervini was responsibly connected to Lakeside Produce Inc. at the time of the violation.
As a result, Chris Cervini may not be employed or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.
For further information, contact Corey Elliott, Chief, Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.
The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry. In the past three years, USDA handled more than 2,660 cases valued at $127.7 million. PACA staff also assisted over 6,360 callers with issues valued at $154.3 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
