GIPSA Alleges South Shore Meats, Inc., Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2008 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that South Shore Meats, Inc. (South Shore), Wimauma, Florida:
- issued checks without having sufficient funds to cover checks;
- purchased livestock and failed to pay the full purchase price for the livestock purchased within the time period required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act;
- engaged in business as a packer without maintaining an adequate bond as required by the P&S Act; and
- did not maintain adequate records that fully and correctly disclosed all transactions involved its business.
On May 22, 2008, GIPSA filed a complaint against South Shore. If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, South Shore may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act and assessed a civil penalty.
South Shore is a packer and buys livestock in commerce for purposes of slaughter and of manufacturing or preparing meats or meat food products for sale or shipment in commerce.
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.
Catherine M. Grasso 202-720-7201
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