"The FDA may suspend the registration of those exporters who fail to comply with this requirement before the deadline of 31 December 2012," the embassy warned.

"The Embassy wishes to reiterate that non compliance will result in a prohibition on the importation, distribution or sale of food from the exporters thus suspended."

The registration can be renewed online at http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/RegistrationofFoodFacilities/default.htm

The embassy said under a food safety law (Food Safety Modernization Act) foreign firms also have to designate a US agent to communicate with the FDA.