Sep 6, 2018, 11:23 am
Last edit by: seawolf
Global Entry kiosks typically ask a yes/no question about whether you are bringing "food" into the country. The question is broader than on the deprecated blue form that asked about fruits, vegetables, meats, etc.
CBP answers the question of whether you must declare all "food" on its website:
CBP expects declaration to be made even if not asked by kiosk or explicitly asked by CBP officer
Yes, all food items and products must be declared when entering the U.S.
You may be able to bring in food such as fruits, meats or other agricultural products depending on the region or country from which you are traveling.
General consensus is that the best practice is to declare any "food", include candies, cookies, snacks, etc. and then inform the CBP agent about your food. Experience has been that in nearly all cases the agent will wave you through with extremely minimal delay. As explained elsewhere, the primary focus of the question is to prevent importation of fruits, vegetable, and meats that could cause harm to the American food supply, but it is safest to allow the CBP agent to make the determination.
There is some debate as to whether items one can ingest for non-nutritive reasons (e.g., gum, toothpaste, medicine) should qualify as food. There does not appear to be an answer from CBP or experience showing the proper categorization of such items.
CBP answers the question of whether you must declare all "food" on its website:
CBP expects declaration to be made even if not asked by kiosk or explicitly asked by CBP officer
Link to TTP Interview guidance letter - Thanks hourglass
Must I declare food items or products when using the Global entry kiosk?
Yes, all food items and products must be declared when entering the U.S.You may be able to bring in food such as fruits, meats or other agricultural products depending on the region or country from which you are traveling.
There is some debate as to whether items one can ingest for non-nutritive reasons (e.g., gum, toothpaste, medicine) should qualify as food. There does not appear to be an answer from CBP or experience showing the proper categorization of such items.
Global Entry Kiosks Declarations and Food Questions
Dec 29, 2017, 5:29 pm
#706
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: where the chile is hot
Programs: AA,RR,NW,Delta ,UA,CO
Posts: 41,681
That's true now - doesn't really matter where they sniff the bags, so long as it's before you leave the general area.
It's also difficult for dogs to catch liquor over the allowance now - that's why the agent asks questions. I assume they've figured it's more efficient to conduct a single interview at passport control than a second one at the exit when people have their bags. The only difference is whether people are less likely to be honest when not in possession of their bags.
It's also difficult for dogs to catch liquor over the allowance now - that's why the agent asks questions. I assume they've figured it's more efficient to conduct a single interview at passport control than a second one at the exit when people have their bags. The only difference is whether people are less likely to be honest when not in possession of their bags.
Dec 29, 2017, 8:37 pm
#707
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 578
Returning through SFO with some snacks I had brought on the outbound in addition to a box of pastries bought at duty free. Questions at the kiosk included the "food" catch-all, so I naturally declared. Got sent through the xray, after which the agent laughed and said "you're good to go" after screening the bags and asking what I had brought.
I always seem to have better experiences with the customs agents rather than the immigration ones near to the kiosks.
I always seem to have better experiences with the customs agents rather than the immigration ones near to the kiosks.
Dec 30, 2017, 2:14 am
#708
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: California
Programs: UA 1k
Posts: 107
The agricultural screener asked what I had and I explained some brie and some cheese from duty free and I was sent on my way without an x-ray.
I'd definitely check yes again if in doubt. Much better than risking getting caught with something and losing GE.
I don't think it slowed me down more than 90 seconds in total (my fastest "door opens to standing on the curb" time has been less than 10 minutes, so 90 second isn't nothing but manageable ;-) )
Dec 30, 2017, 7:35 am
#709
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 8
I recently flew from Toronto to Houston and was carrying baqlawa (middle eastern dessert) in may hand to take it with me in the plane. I declared it on the kiosk and got an X. When I got to the officer, I just simply explained to him that I have declared the dessert hence the X. He just asked if I had any other food and I answered negative and there were no issues at all. Hope that helps.
Jan 6, 2018, 1:48 pm
#710
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,374
I told her [the CBP officer] ... that I hadn’t really considered that I should claim a bag of chips. She told me potato chips were most definitely a food and that if I had any gum or mints I had better go through my bag thoroughly before telling her I didn’t have any other food.
Jan 6, 2018, 7:11 pm
#711
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
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3rd time arriving into SFO in the past 3 months. Checked food box each time. Listed items (crackers, candy) when questioned after luggage carousal. Sent to x-ray each time. 
Fortunately timing has been good - no lines. I guess it's become part of my routine now but I'm still not happy about it. However today was almost entertaining as the guy took a close look at the salami we received from United buy-on-board and determined it was ok because it was made in USA 
Fortunately timing has been good - no lines. I guess it's become part of my routine now but I'm still not happy about it. However today was almost entertaining as the guy took a close look at the salami we received from United buy-on-board and determined it was ok because it was made in USA
Jan 7, 2018, 9:18 am
#712
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Paris
Programs: AA LT Plat (4m+), AF Plat, A3 Gold, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat/Ambassador
Posts: 2,648
Update
Thanks for all of the replies!
So I did for the first time declare food on the kiosk. All that happens is you get a big O across the printout. The immigration/customs agent collecting the forms right after the kiosks asked me what I was carrying. I said chocolate and wine... off I went.
:-)
I think the "fine" is revocation of the GE privileges.
So I did for the first time declare food on the kiosk. All that happens is you get a big O across the printout. The immigration/customs agent collecting the forms right after the kiosks asked me what I was carrying. I said chocolate and wine... off I went.
:-)
I don't know about "in this thread," but there are many anecdotal reports of people either losing GE or being threatened with such for failures to declare items. The general theme is that the penalties are much more severe for GE members than for non-GE members on the theory that CBP "trusted" us and we broke that trust. So, things that might slide with a warning if not GE, might incur a fine if GE.
Last edited by TWA884; Jan 7, 2018 at 1:16 pm Reason: Merge consecutive posts by the same member
Jan 8, 2018, 10:02 am
#713
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 592
I have the answer: if you declare food, they escort you from the immigration desk to a separate room (presumably holding you passports, but I cannot confirm that detail). You are not permitted to go to the baggage carousel. The airline is required to retrieve your bags from the carousel and bring them to the inspection room where customs will inspect the items.
At JFK Terminal 1, the room appears to be off to the far right immediately past the immigration desks (but before baggage claim). I imagine that this would dramatically delay your processing (the airline is unlikely to be overly quick in retrieving your bags). When I arrived last night, I had a piece of cake in my carryon which I declared at the kiosk. The immigration agent asked me what food I had. I told him and he sent me on my way. I asked what would happen if I had something in my checked bag, which is how I learned the process. Given this, I would say that it would have to be some extremely special food item that could only be packed in my checked bag to be worth the delay.
The old system seemed better. Even when I had and declared a food item and was sent to a secondary inspector on the way out of customs, it only took a couple of extra minutes and I was out of the airport.
At JFK Terminal 1, the room appears to be off to the far right immediately past the immigration desks (but before baggage claim). I imagine that this would dramatically delay your processing (the airline is unlikely to be overly quick in retrieving your bags). When I arrived last night, I had a piece of cake in my carryon which I declared at the kiosk. The immigration agent asked me what food I had. I told him and he sent me on my way. I asked what would happen if I had something in my checked bag, which is how I learned the process. Given this, I would say that it would have to be some extremely special food item that could only be packed in my checked bag to be worth the delay.
The old system seemed better. Even when I had and declared a food item and was sent to a secondary inspector on the way out of customs, it only took a couple of extra minutes and I was out of the airport.
Jan 8, 2018, 10:17 am
#714
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,141
I have the answer: if you declare food, they escort you from the immigration desk to a separate room (presumably holding you passports, but I cannot confirm that detail). You are not permitted to go to the baggage carousel. The airline is required to retrieve your bags from the carousel and bring them to the inspection room where customs will inspect the items.
At JFK Terminal 1, the room appears to be off to the far right immediately past the immigration desks (but before baggage claim). I imagine that this would dramatically delay your processing (the airline is unlikely to be overly quick in retrieving your bags). When I arrived last night, I had a piece of cake in my carryon which I declared at the kiosk. The immigration agent asked me what food I had. I told him and he sent me on my way. I asked what would happen if I had something in my checked bag, which is how I learned the process. Given this, I would say that it would have to be some extremely special food item that could only be packed in my checked bag to be worth the delay.
The old system seemed better. Even when I had and declared a food item and was sent to a secondary inspector on the way out of customs, it only took a couple of extra minutes and I was out of the airport.
At JFK Terminal 1, the room appears to be off to the far right immediately past the immigration desks (but before baggage claim). I imagine that this would dramatically delay your processing (the airline is unlikely to be overly quick in retrieving your bags). When I arrived last night, I had a piece of cake in my carryon which I declared at the kiosk. The immigration agent asked me what food I had. I told him and he sent me on my way. I asked what would happen if I had something in my checked bag, which is how I learned the process. Given this, I would say that it would have to be some extremely special food item that could only be packed in my checked bag to be worth the delay.
The old system seemed better. Even when I had and declared a food item and was sent to a secondary inspector on the way out of customs, it only took a couple of extra minutes and I was out of the airport.
Never have I been escorted to a private room with passports held, or treated as a prisoner. ?????
Jan 8, 2018, 11:07 am
#715
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
Perhaps I am misunderstanding you: Whenever I declare food, I am given an "O." and an opportunity to disclose the contents. It is usually a 15-second delay, or perhaps an X-ray screen.
Never have I been escorted to a private room with passports held, or treated as a prisoner. ?????
Never have I been escorted to a private room with passports held, or treated as a prisoner. ?????
Jan 8, 2018, 1:03 pm
#716
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: BDL, YVR, CMH
Programs: AC, WN, Nexus
Posts: 74
I have the answer: if you declare food, they escort you from the immigration desk to a separate room (presumably holding you passports, but I cannot confirm that detail). You are not permitted to go to the baggage carousel. The airline is required to retrieve your bags from the carousel and bring them to the inspection room where customs will inspect the items.
This arrangement is very similar to how things are already handled in many pre-clearance areas.
Jan 8, 2018, 1:08 pm
#717
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 592
Perhaps I am misunderstanding you: Whenever I declare food, I am given an "O." and an opportunity to disclose the contents. It is usually a 15-second delay, or perhaps an X-ray screen.
Never have I been escorted to a private room with passports held, or treated as a prisoner. ?????
Never have I been escorted to a private room with passports held, or treated as a prisoner. ?????
The old system, still used in many airports/terminals is:
1) Go to kiosk, declare food, get slip with "O"
2) Flash slip to immigration officer (or don't in some cases).
3) Collect bags at carousel
4) Give slip to officer at exit.
5) Officer will either ask you what food you have and (if it is not objectionable) collect the slip and send you on your way or refer you to another agent/x-ray.
You are correct; this never delayed me by more than a few minutes (and often just 10 seconds).
The new system is:
1) Go to kiosk, declare food, get slip with "O" (same as old system)
2) Hand slip to immigration officer *before* you go to baggage carousel.
2.a) If there is no "O":
--He will just check that it is really you on the slip, keep the slip and send you on your way.
--Collect checked luggage (if any)
--Leave the customs hall without speaking to anyone or giving your slip to anyone (since you don't have your slip anymore--the officer at immigration held onto it); there are customs officers at the exit who will stop you if something looks suspicious, but otherwise you just walk out.
2.b) If there is an "O", the new system I described kicks in.
Different locations use one process or another.
I think that I understand the new arrangement. There is a key word missing in the description that J S was given: might. If you declare food, or for whatever reason, they might escort you to a separate room, etc. After speaking to an officer and turning in your Global Entry receipt, you might be sent to secondary (in which case your bags are retrieved) or you might be free to pick up your bags and leave. I expect that most Global Entry participants declaring acceptable food will be sent through without a visit to secondary.
This arrangement is very similar to how things are already handled in many pre-clearance areas.
This arrangement is very similar to how things are already handled in many pre-clearance areas.
Last edited by TWA884; Jan 8, 2018 at 1:37 pm Reason: Merge consecutive posts by the same member; please use the multi-quote function
Jan 8, 2018, 3:19 pm
#718
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,410
Perhaps I am misunderstanding you: Whenever I declare food, I am given an "O." and an opportunity to disclose the contents. It is usually a 15-second delay, or perhaps an X-ray screen.
Never have I been escorted to a private room with passports held, or treated as a prisoner. ?????
Never have I been escorted to a private room with passports held, or treated as a prisoner. ?????
Jan 8, 2018, 4:20 pm
#719
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Florida
Programs: Delta SkyMiles; Hilton HHonors; NEXUS; National Emerald Club Executive
Posts: 365
I've declared food almost every time I've entered via Global Entry, whether cheese from Norway or British wine gums or a sandwich from Canada. I have never been taken to or even threatened with a private room. I get my "O", I go collect my bags as usual, and then I go show the bags and the "O" receipt to a customs officer at the GE exit and explain what I have.
A couple of times, they've wanted to take a peek at it, which has involved walking over to a counter off to the side and opening a suitcase. More often than not, as long as it's not meat (which I never bring, the rules are too complicated) they don't care and wave me through. But even when I've opened my suitcase to show them it's only delayed me a few minutes.
In short, I declare food on virtually every entry and it has never been a big deal.
A couple of times, they've wanted to take a peek at it, which has involved walking over to a counter off to the side and opening a suitcase. More often than not, as long as it's not meat (which I never bring, the rules are too complicated) they don't care and wave me through. But even when I've opened my suitcase to show them it's only delayed me a few minutes.
In short, I declare food on virtually every entry and it has never been a big deal.
Jan 9, 2018, 7:48 am
#720
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Paris
Programs: AA LT Plat (4m+), AF Plat, A3 Gold, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat/Ambassador
Posts: 2,648
I think that I understand the new arrangement. There is a key word missing in the description that J S was given: might. If you declare food, or for whatever reason, they might escort you to a separate room, etc. After speaking to an officer and turning in your Global Entry receipt, you might be sent to secondary (in which case your bags are retrieved) or you might be free to pick up your bags and leave. I expect that most Global Entry participants declaring acceptable food will be sent through without a visit to secondary.
This arrangement is very similar to how things are already handled in many pre-clearance areas.
This arrangement is very similar to how things are already handled in many pre-clearance areas.
This is correct. If you talk about the 50lb prosciutto leg you bought in Milan that might get you the latter (and make them very happy for a time lol)
