Washington - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a complaint against Halal Packing Inc. (Halal Packing), Newton, N.J., on Dec. 15, 2021, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
An investigation by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) revealed that in 21 transactions between Sept. 18, 2019, and Dec. 30, 2019, Halal Packing purchased 1910 head of livestock from two sellers for a total purchase price of $371,601, but failed to pay, when due, the full purchase price of the livestock.
The P&S Act requires subject entities to issue the full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession. Failure to pay promptly for livestock purchases is an unfair trade practice and a violation of the P&S Act.
The P&S Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties up to $29,270 per violation against any person after notice and opportunity for hearing on the record. If the allegations are admitted or proven in a hearing, Halal Packing may be ordered to cease and desist from continuing violations of the P&S Act, and it may be assessed a civil penalty.
The P&S Act is a fair-trade practice and payment protection law that promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry industries.
For further information about the Packers and Stockyards Act, contact Kraig Roesch, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (303) 375-4291, or by email at kraig.roesch@usda.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service
