Kathleen Merrigan, administrator of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, said that the complaint alleged that the firm permitted six trailer loads of Mexican table grapes to be imported into the United States despite the fact that the grapes failed to meet the United States import requirements for size. The compliance program provides a mechanism for USDA to monitor its implementation. Entering into a consent decision resolves this matter more quickly than a disciplinary hearing and is less costly to both USDA and Dole.
PACA establishes a code of good business conduct for the produce industry.
USDA is authorized to suspend or revoke a trader's license or issue a civil penalty for violating the act.