Unfair Trade Practices – The PACA prohibits certain types of conduct by fruit and vegetable buyers and sellers. Some examples of unfair trade practices include failing to make full payment promptly for produce purchases, misbranding or mislabeling of produce, making false and/or misleading statements in connection with produce transactions, and employing individuals under employment restrictions that were responsibly connected with a PACA violator firm.

How to Report Unfair Trade Practices – Any interested person may file a written notification of any alleged violation of the PACA by any commission merchant, dealer, or broker. The PACA Branch must receive the written notification before it can initiate an investigation of unfair trade practices. The identity of the person filing the written notification, and any portion of the notification that would indicate the identity of the person submitting the notification, are required by law to remain confidential.