Strawberries have an exceptionally short post-harvest shelf life — typically seven to ten days under optimal refrigeration — which compresses the window for customs clearance, inspection, and distribution. Any delay at the port of entry due to documentation issues, APHIS holds, or FDA sampling can result in significant product loss, making pre-clearance documentation accuracy especially important.

Yes. FDA conducts pesticide residue monitoring on imported fresh produce, including strawberries, as part of its import surveillance program. Strawberries consistently appear on monitoring lists due to their high pesticide-use profile in conventional production. Importers should ensure foreign suppliers comply with US EPA maximum residue limits (MRLs) and maintain FSVP records documenting that verification.