Hopefully someone can give me some advice on this. Earlier this week I flew in from the UK (to USA). The flight was quite early & frankly I was washed out. I had thrown a roll & stuff in my bag to make a BLT then totally forgot about it - checked the bag. In my carry-on I had a Slim Jim which had been part of a multi pack from the USA (carry protein w/ me due to a blood sugar problem - on meds). The pack was a peal pack so was considered open.

When I arrived at the US airport to collect my bag, I was chosen for a "random" bag search. Having forgot about the stupid BLT stuff, I thought there would be no problem. Low & behold, CBP fined me $300 for lack of declaration, which MUST be mailed w/in 3 days! I wasn't even aware that I had violated anything and declared the $40 worth of other stuff I bought over in the UK. I spoke with the USDA, they agreed that it was extremely over zealous but they couldn't do anything because it was the CBP that issued the fine.

Since I travel frequently,esp. overseas, I am now concerned that I will be consistently chosen for bag searches,etc. The CBP told me that if I went to a hearing I would like be fined even higher charges. How does one fight this? I just cannot believe that this is the purpose of the regulations - esp. since it was obvious that the stuff needed to be thrown out. Will I be indefinitely on the CBP computer as a violator? I feel like I have been treated very unfairly & like a criminal.