The short answer
Honduras exports melons, farmed shrimp, coffee, palm oil and tropical fruit to the U.S. A 2008 Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes from a Honduran grower led FDA to place that firm on an import alert — a reminder of how much produce safety matters.
What Honduran exporters should watch for
🍈 Melons and fruit
Growers must meet the Produce Safety Rule and packing houses that are not part of a farm must register with FDA. Buyers expect food safety plans, water testing and Salmonella controls for melons.
🦐 Farmed shrimp
Shrimp processors register with FDA and follow seafood HACCP. Farmed shrimp is checked for unapproved drug residues.
☕ Coffee
Processing plants and warehouses register and name a U.S. Agent; each shipment needs Prior Notice and pesticide residues must meet U.S. tolerances.
🌴 Palm oil and processed foods
Refineries and food plants register with FDA; labels need English, Nutrition Facts and the U.S. major allergens. Canned or acidified foods need FCE/SID filings.
Common reasons Honduran shipments are stopped
- Salmonella in melons and fresh produce
- Drug residues in farmed shrimp
- Seafood HACCP gaps
- Pesticide residues above U.S. tolerances
- Labeling — Spanish-only labels
🏢 No U.S. company to act as FSVP importer? Orionex offers an FSVP importer service for food and dietary supplements — from $80 per shipment, with the program and Qualified Individual included.
What you need to register — and what it costs
| Product type | FDA requirement | Orionex price |
|---|---|---|
| Food, beverages, supplements | Food facility registration + U.S. Agent, renewed every 2 years; Prior Notice for each shipment | $300/year or $450 for 2 years |
| Cosmetics | MoCRA facility registration (every 2 years) + product listing + U.S. Agent | $300/year or $450 for 2 years; listing $150/product |
| Medical devices | Establishment registration (yearly, FDA fee paid separately) + device listing; 510(k) for many Class II devices | $550/year; listing $50/device |
| Drugs (incl. OTC) | Drug establishment registration (yearly) + NDC labeler code + drug listing | $550/year; listing $350/product |
Every Orionex registration includes the U.S. Agent service, D-U-N-S number set-up where needed and a Certificate of Registration. All prices →
Tell us your products — we’ll confirm what you need to register, in writing, by email.
Frequently asked questions
What happened with Honduran cantaloupes and FDA?
In 2008, a Salmonella outbreak in the U.S. was linked to cantaloupes from a Honduran grower, and FDA placed that firm on an import alert so its melons were detained at the border. Strong produce safety controls and records are the best protection.
Do Honduran shrimp exporters need FDA registration?
Yes. Processing plants and cold stores must register with FDA, name a U.S. Agent, follow seafood HACCP and file Prior Notice for each shipment. Shrimp farms are generally exempt from facility registration.
Sources
- FDA — FSMA Final Rule on Produce Safety
- FDA — Import Alerts by Publish Date
- eCFR — 21 CFR Part 1 Subpart H, Registration of Food Facilities
Checked against FDA and other official sources on November 11, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.