Della Valle v. United States Dept. of Agriculture

Memorandum and Order

SELYA, District Judge.

This case presents, in its early stages, an important question as to the meaning and intendment of a federal statute, 7 U.S.C. § 2023. Resolution of this question in turn impacts upon the manner in which the United States Department of Agriculture may enforce sanctions against retail food vendors under the federal Food Stamp Act (Act), 7 U.S.C.A. §§ 2011-2029 (West Supp. 1985).

1. TRAVEL OF THE CASE

Effective April 17,1985, the Potters Avenue Supermarket (Market), a retail food store, was suspended by the Rhode Island Health Department from…