Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
In the past with the blue form, I always wrote in what the food was since I only bring things that I know are OK, such as chocolates and cookies. I know not to ever cross borders with meat, fruit, etc.
Originally Posted by
GUWonder
Chocolates and cookies haven't always been ok for import into the US, and so I always declare them. I follow CBP actions very closely but I don't assume that I'm always on top of changes or all developments on what goodies are not generally permissible at the time of my return to the US.
Consumable foodstuff is always declared by me when I have such stuff.
The point of declaring food items is so that customs can determine what can be imported or not. The important part isn't what can be brought in or not, or that you know, its that it gets declared so they can determine. Yes, cookies and chocolate, are going to be ok, but still should be declared if the question says "food". I was told by an officer once that the only thing that are never ok to bring in is citrus fruits and some specific kind of meat (I think maybe goat?).
Have no idea if the list goes beyond that. However, they want to inspect the stuff, determine where it comes from, and then decide whether you get to keep it or not based on that. If they can't determine, I guess it doesn't come in.
AFAIK, you don't get notes/revocation of the program for declaring fruit that can't be imported. You delcare it, the agriculture officer inspects it, and says yes or no. If no, they take it and that's the end of it. Now if you don't declare it on the other hand, that's where you get into trouble.