Originally Posted by
FliesWay2Much
Personally, out of all the bizarre and sometimes embarassing things our customs and immigration people pull from time to time, one aspect of entry into the U.S of which I have absolutely no objection is the agricultural inspections because it is useful and relevant. It's not a coincidence that this inspection is performed by the Department of Agriculture and not the Department of Homeland Security.
Generally, pre-packaged foods are Ok to be imported. Fresh fruits, veggies, and meats (which have probably already spoiled unless they wee packed in dry ice) are definitely prohibited. Like others have said, declare anything remotely connected with food and don't even attempt to bring in the obvious no-brainers. It just isn't worth the hassle. Introduction of pests and other non-native organisms via fresh foods is a BIG deal in most countries, including the U.S..
Since 2003, this inspection is NOT performed by the Department of Agriculture. The creation of Customs and Border Protection included the merger of cross border agricultural inspections into the functions of CBP. The employees of the Dept of Agriculture that actually performed the inspections were transferred to the Department of Homeland Security specifically Customs and Border Protection. Prior to 2003, the agriculture inspections could and were many times performed by either Immigration Inspectors from the Department of Justice or Customs Inspectors from the Department of the Treasury in the absence of Agricultural Specialists. This would occur most often at smaller ports of entries, seaports, and off hours.
FB