“We’re really not out to take anyone’s peanut butter away,” White said. “We’re just focused on finding liquid explosives. And with 2 million people and 3.5 million bags to screen each day, our officers must use their discretion.” That’s why, he adds, the TSA Web site lists some “no-fly foods” but reserves the right to turn back many others with this wide-reaching warning: “If you can pour it, pump it, squeeze it, spread it, smear it, spray it or spill it, it could be considered a liquid or gel.”

White says he knows a policy like that will understandably frustrate some travelers who can’t be sure if their cheesecake or prized flan will fly. But he says the inconsistency is intentional and a necessary sign of the times. “The 9/11 terrorists knew exactly what to expect at security so we like to introduce a bit of unpredictability.”

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So if you see someone acting inappropriately, you can report it to the supervisor at the checkpoint, call the TSA’s Contact Center (1-866–289–9673), or send an e-mail to [email protected].” If you do, be sure to note the airport, the checkpoint location and the time of day that you experienced or witnessed the incident. And try to get the name and badge number of the officer involved.