CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES AND DISQUALIFICATION OF RETAIL FOOD STORES AND WHOLESALE FOOD CONCERNS.

SEC 344. CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES AND DISQUALIFICATION OF RETAIL FOOD STORES AND WHOLESALE FOOD CONCERNS.Section 12(b)(3) (7 U.S.C. 2021(b)(3)) is amended to read as follows: “(3) permanent upon— “(A) the third occasion of disqualification; or “(B) the first occasion or any subsequent occasion of a disqualification based on the purchase of coupons or trafficking in coupons or authorization cards by a retail food store or wholesale food concern, except that the Secretary shall have the discretion to impose a civil money penalty of up to $20,000 in lieu of disqualification under this subparagraph, for such purchase of coupons or trafficking in coupons or cards that constitutes a violation of the provisions of this Act or the regulations issued pursuant to this Act, if the Secretary determines that there is substantial evidence that such store or food concern had an effective policy and program in effect to prevent violations of the Act and the regulations.”.