Washington, D.C., July 23, 2026 – On Feb. 6, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a complaint against Nunziato Femino d/b/a Messina Meats of Orland, Calif. for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation found that between April 4, 2024, and Dec. 19, 2024, Femino failed to pay for 342 head of livestock from three sellers in the amount of $95,473, in violation of the P&S Act. The P&S Act requires regulated entities to issue full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following the purchase and transfer of possession. As of the date of the complaint, $50,576 remained unpaid.
In addition, between Jan. 7, 2022, and April 27, 2022, Femino failed to pay timely for 73 head of livestock purchased from multiple sellers in the amount of $66,945. Payments were issued between three and 38 days late, in violation of the P&S Act.
The Secretary of Agriculture has authority to take action against violators, including issuing cease and desist orders, suspending registrations, and imposing other remedies authorized by the P&S Act.
For more information, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
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