Keep banned foodstuffs out of US

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • U.S. European Command Customs and Border Clearance Agency
WIESBADEN, Germany --  Personnel shipping household goods to the U.S. this summer should be careful when packing the contents of their kitchen, agriculture officials advise. The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection issues fines of $100 to $1,000 to first-time offenders who ignore the strict rules that apply to sending food stateside.

"Red meats, sausages, pâtés and salami can harbor animal viruses, even if canned, and are therefore barred from import," said Julie Aliaga-Milos, U.S. Department of Agriculture adviser to the U.S. European Command. 

Even pasta or soup mixes that contain dried meat are not allowed, she added. Foot-and-mouth disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) are examples of animal diseases that can be prevented from entering the U.S..

Also, fresh fruits and vegetables may not be sent to the U.S. in household goods because they can contain the eggs or larvae of ravenous pests. The Mediterranean fruit fly is an example of a bug that hides in citrus and other fruits and sneak into other countries .

However, you can ship processed fruit and vegetable products such as canned fruit, olive oil, mustard and canned or processed sauces. There are no restrictions on fish or mushrooms either, Aliaga-Milos added. Commercially produced dried herbs and spices, tea, roasted coffee, cured cheeses, cakes, candies, cookies and roasted nuts are also acceptable.

To find out more about importing food, plant and animal products into the U.S., visit the CBP website at www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/know-before-you-go.