According to a Washington Post article in May of 1975, which headline read, “U.S. Government Buys Produce Linked to Mafia” the Defense Department bought $1.1 million worth of produce from a firm whose top salesman was Carlos Marcello, alleged Mafia godfather of New Orleans.

Although responsible government officials privately insist they don’t like doing business with a reputed Mafia boss, they are obliged by law to buy their tomatoes from the lowest bidder.