Originally Posted by davie355

My thoughts.

1. In strict terms, only two parties to this encounter are in violation of anything.
--- Passenger: failure to declare
--- Officer: failure to adhere to courtesy and professionalism which CBP nominally requires of its officers
------ What's wrong with saying, "Ma'am, there's an apple in your bag, but your declaration says you are carrying no fruit. Unfortunately that requires me to fine you $500."

2. In practical terms, it's foolish of an airline to hand out contraband on arrival. Even if declared, the apple will need be thrown away.

3. Also in practical terms, it's foolish of a government to enforce customs at passenger points of entry.
--- Customs is meant to protect trade and agriculture. Shiploads of parasitic apples from a commercial importer has a low but meaningful chance of harming US agriculture. An apple in your bag is as likely to harm US agriculture as I am to marry Taylor Swift.