Processing method matters: commercially sterilized or fully cooked products generally face fewer APHIS restrictions than minimally processed or fresh-cut items. However, certain pests of concern can trigger additional requirements even for processed goods depending on origin country, so importers should verify current APHIS import conditions before shipment.

FDA requires country-of-origin labeling, accurate ingredient declarations, and compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) supplier verification rules. Importers acting as the 'importer of record' bear responsibility for ensuring foreign suppliers meet these standards under FSMA's Foreign Supplier Verification Program.