Are weiners and lunchmeat ok to bring back to the US now?

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Hiya - I looked at the US Border patrol site but I didn't see anything saying I can't bring things like hotdogs or Schneider's bologna back in a cooler. Anyone done this recently? It used to be you couldn't bring anything with beef(mad cow scare) and sometimes pork too, but perhaps they've lifted the ban?

It would be for personal use, so a small amount just for us.

[Julie B. 2]

Hiya - I looked at the US Border patrol site but I didn't see anything saying I can't bring things like hotdogs or Schneider's bologna back in a cooler. Anyone done this recently? It used to be you couldn't bring anything with beef(mad cow scare) and sometimes pork too, but perhaps they've lifted the ban?

It would be for personal use, so a small amount just for us.

You know I'm not sure but I'd really love to see the look on the guard's face when he asked if you had anything to declare and you said "yes, weiners.". lol.

[Yagisama 93]

If I could smuggle a large salami into Japan (and customs specifically forbits such items) then I'm sure you will be fine bringing some wieners into the US.

[SapphireDreams 71]

If you're flying, I'd be careful. Last time I flew back through Newark and went through customs there (used the Island airport in TO so no pre-clearance) they asked about food products and we said no, and they still scanned our bag a second time. I think they were looking specifically at Canadians bringing back thanksgiving leftovers! Ha.

If you're driving, the chances of them asking about food is usually pretty slim.

I don't think it's technically allowed though.

My husband and I have this inside joke when we're waiting in line at customs at Pearson because they have all these posters with the most random food and other items that you're not allowed in like feathers, various bugs etc. So we joke that we can't forget to declare our pet crickets or our feather headpiece Ha.

[S and P 9]

I thought you could bring in meat products now.. but looking at this link..... probably not...

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/arriving_travelers.xml

[S and P 9]

That page is confusing and has several dead links..... I bet if you called the border patrol office where you plan to cross, they could tell you if weiners are okay

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I thought you could bring in meat products now.. but looking at this link..... probably not...

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/arriving_travelers.xml

Hmmmm - hard to tell, idiots...Canadians were going to eat them for pete's sake

Bringing Food into the U.S.

(07/06/2011)We regret that it is necessary to take agricultural items from your baggage. They cannot be brought into the United States because they may carry animal and plant pests and diseases. Restricted items include meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, soil, and products made from animal or plant materials.

Agricultural pests and diseases are a threat to U.S. food crops and livestock. Some of these organisms are highly contagious animal diseases that could cause severe economic damage to the livestock industry and losses in production, which would mean increased costs for meat and dairy products. Other pests can affect property values by damaging lawns, ornamental plants, trees, and even homes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are partners in this effort to protect American agriculture against the introduction of foreign plant and animal pests and diseases at our nation’s ports of entry. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) develops the policies that determine what agricultural products can come into the country and what products pose a risk and should be kept out. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at ports of entry enforce these agricultural policies. Confiscated items are carefully destroyed in special CBP facilities. For additional information, please visit the CBP Web site. ( www.cbp.gov )

Or write to:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Office of Field Operations

Agriculture Programs and Liaison

1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

Washington, DC 20229

[pocheros 101]

My dad tried to smuggle sausage through airport once and he was stopped because a dog went crazy sniffing the delicious meat. They just confiscated it from him though That was years and years ago though, so I have no idea about right now...

[Flames9_RN 358]

When I was DRIVING back from Saskatoon to DC, when I crossed the Border, they pulled me aside and and Agricultural person came and chatted with me. To be honest I can't recall what she all asked. The only food I had was dog food(bought in the USA though) and Lraft Peanut butter, which she didnt care about

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

WIZ: "Honestly sir, this lunchmeat is for personal use only, and not for distribution!"

CUSTOMS: "Uh huh. That's what they all say. Please get out of the vehicle and step AWAY from the meat..."

[hikergirl 277]

Took a bit of searching but I managed to find this:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/travel/canadian_products.shtml

Food products from Canada, including pet food and fresh (frozen or chilled), cooked, canned or otherwise processed products containing beef, veal, bison, and cervid (e.g., deer, elk, moose, caribou, etc.) are now permitted from Canada in passenger baggage. Products containing sheep, lamb, or goat are prohibited and will not be allowed entry.

Travelers must provide proof of the origin of beef, pork, poultry, cervid meat, and pet food in order to bring them into the United States. Examples of proof of origin include the grocery store receipt where the product was purchased or the label on the product indicating the Province in which it was packaged.

There is a $1000 fine for not declaring that you have meat products for import.

[SuperDuper! 230]

What about TimBits. Can we bring them to the US??? We want to share some with Charles!

[dukeandduchess 141]

mmm hot dogs.

Just pull a legally blonde and claim that there's nothing as American as hot dogs on the 4th of July..

[minnew 4]

Driving to and from SK when I went to school in ND, my friend had to throw out her brand new bag of dog food she had bought while in canada on way back to college because it had meat in it. I had heard to truckers who had packed sandwiches with meat and had to throw out.... Ridiculousness...

When my parents came to visit me mom would make a batch of meatless cabbage rolls and put them in cooler along with perogies....mmmm

Sorry I know this is not helpful to current question, just saying.

Edited December 15, 2011 by minnew

[Kathryn41 3,205]

What about TimBits. Can we bring them to the US??? We want to share some with Charles!

Charles will be your friend forever if you bring him some ! I've never had problems declaring timbits, although the guards look at me with this weird sad smile as if to say 'you crazy Canadians and your Timmie's fix'. Hehe, I even had one guard 'guess' that the x-rayed shape in my luggage was a can of Tim Horton's coffee. (Ottawa airport) We are so predictable!

Edited December 15, 2011 by Kathryn41