Bringing Snacks Across The Border

[FayeW]

I plan to pack some nonperishables to bring with us, any problem with open packages coming across the border? Most of the stuff will be new, and unopened, but things like tea bags, cereal, etc may just be in ziplocks. I just want to bring a few things that we can use up while we are there; I don't like the idea of buying it down there and then having to leave nearly full containers behind because we ran out of room in the luggage!

 

[dandee00]

Bump!

 

[usetheforceluke]

open packages coming across the border

We've never had a problem with taking stuff over when we're driving, but we're invariably asked what foods are you bring in to the US, and what fruits and vegetables are you bringing in? We've also been asked about meat products also.

When we've flown, we'll normally take a small kettle, tea bags, oatmeal and sugar in our luggage and it hasn't been a problem, and if it is, then we're more than willing to trash it all.

We also pack really loosely and take an extra suitcase so we have lots of room to take back the beanies that seem to be purchased on a daily basis.

Jim.

 

[Northstar]

Well, I guess I'm too honest. I had a nice fresh apple to eat on the plane... it was confiscated at customs and went into the trash when I said "Yes" to the question "Got any fruits or vegetables?" Apples are a no-no. Also beef products, even jerky. You probably won't be caught if you say "no" when they ask, and the worst they'll do is confiscate your stuff.

 

[Disneyof3]

We have drove twice and my MIL they live in Florida for the winter months and both have have no problems taking food across the border. The only thing is the fruit you take must have the original stickers on them to clarify they have been approved by canadian laws. Especially bananas and apples. With the new meat now going across the border, meat is now still a question. They leave in 2 weeks and I'll see what she's taking across and what they take at the border. We usually take things like bottle water, cereal,apples, bananas, milk, p.butter, margarine in a pyrex dish, cookies, crackers, chips, pretzels, o.j. in the box etc:

 

[FayeW]

I wasn't planning on bringing fruit, vegetables or meat products. I just wondered if the things I do bring had to be in unopened, original packaging. Thanks for your help.

 

[talicskai]

If you are a tea drinker definitely take your own tea bags because the ones in the US are awful (IMHO). I always throw in about 2 dozen Tetley bags. I loooove my tea so it is very important to me.

Teresa

 

[mc'smommy]

Hi there
a relative works for customs and absolutely no beef, vegetables or fruits no matter where they are imported from. Everything else is fair...

On our last drive down to South CArolina a few months ago, I had 2 large rubbermaid totes and the took a quick peek inside and saw it was all non perishables and they said have a safe drive...


Go and have fun !

 

[MazdaUK]

and the worst they'll do is confiscate your stuff

Actually, they also fine you! One of the cabin crew on our home flight had a tin of Weightwatchers bolognaise confiscated and was fined $100! Just take dry goods and have a quick shopping stop! DO buy fruit in the supermarkets though - its a shocking price on property!

 

[sammi]

Another lover of Tetley Tea!

We always take our Tetley with us as the tea they serve in Florida is terrible and they never have regular milk....just half and half.

 

[bigmac5]

We drive to Michigan on a regular basis. Fruit can be taken in as long as it has stickers on them saying they are from Canada or the US. I even took home gown tomatoes with me. Told them I grew them in my own garden and they let them through. This past time to Florida we even had sandwiches in our cooler. They never asked-we didn't tell. There is no problem with items such as tea. cereal or snacks.

 

[jtdl]

I wasn't planning on bringing fruit, vegetables or meat products. I just wondered if the things I do bring had to be in unopened, original packaging. Thanks for your help.

I have never had any problems taking any snacks over. When we drove in Feb. I had crackers, fruit snacks, etc and they didn't ask to see them or if they were in the orginal packaging. I think basically the only thing they are concerned about is meat. Actually, come to think of it, I don't think I've ever been asked and living in a border city, I do go across quite often.

 

[tone.def]

Well, I guess I'm too honest. I had a nice fresh apple to eat on the plane... it was confiscated at customs and went into the trash when I said "Yes" to the question "Got any fruits or vegetables?" Apples are a no-no. Also beef products, even jerky. You probably won't be caught if you say "no" when they ask, and the worst they'll do is confiscate your stuff.

Me too! They chucked them into the garbage on me!

 

[iluvwesties]

This past February, we stayed overnight at the airport before our early flight down to Orlando. We had bought some muffins at a grocery store to eat for breakfast, but there were 6 in the pack and only 3 of us, so we had 3 leftover. When we were going through customs at YYZ in all the rush to get out my tickets, passports etc as well as check our luggage I forgot to trash the muffins

I was told off by the customs officer (quite loud and rudely)

I appologized and explained that I had forgotten about the muffins, and after the stern lecture (and muffins trashed) we were allowed to continue through to the waiting area to board the flight.

In future, I will make sure that we have no food on us before we get that far.
It was soooo embarassing.

I will still take my teabags though, I gotta have my tea in the morning.

iluvwesties (aka Carol)

 

[pxlbarrel]

This past February, we stayed overnight at the airport before our early flight down to Orlando. We had bought some muffins at a grocery store to eat for breakfast, but there were 6 in the pack and only 3 of us, so we had 3 leftover. When we were going through customs at YYZ in all the rush to get out my tickets, passports etc as well as check our luggage I forgot to trash the muffins

I was told off by the customs officer (quite loud and rudely)

I appologized and explained that I had forgotten about the muffins, and after the stern lecture (and muffins trashed) we were allowed to continue through to the waiting area to board the flight.

In future, I will make sure that we have no food on us before we get that far.
It was soooo embarassing.

I will still take my teabags though, I gotta have my tea in the morning.

iluvwesties (aka Carol)

the last time I looked, muffins weren't fruit or vegetable or meat. And in these days of economic travel when you're expected to bring food with you on the plane because airlines aren't supplying meals anymore, how the heck do you do that if you're not allowed to bring food through customs? It's not like there's a deli on the other side of security selling us sandwich fixings and there's no way I'm paying $10 for a sandwich at the airport restaurant. And besides, they won't let you bring the muffins across customs and security at Toronto but they'll let you buy it on the other side?

Something's whacked out here.

 

[princess pooh]

Another lover of Tetley Tea!

We always take our Tetley with us as the tea they serve in Florida is terrible and they never have regular milk....just half and half.

If you ask for regular milk they'll usually give it to you. It's always such a hassle though!

I usually pack snacks in my checked bags. One time they searched my luggage to get a closer look but it was no big deal.

 

[MazdaUK]

Maybe they were blueberry muffins so count as fruit

If you go in Perkins on I-Drive make sure you get Wendy as your waitress - when I ordered tea she brought it over and proudly informed me that she had warmed the pot AND put 2 teabags in "because I know you folks like a proper pot of tea" - rather than the usual jug of tepid water with the teabag on the side. And the kids get a free cookie each to take away.

 

[iluvwesties]

Maybe they were blueberry muffins so count as fruit

If you go in Perkins on I-Drive make sure you get Wendy as your waitress - when I ordered tea she brought it over and proudly informed me that she had warmed the pot AND put 2 teabags in "because I know you folks like a proper pot of tea" - rather than the usual jug of tepid water with the teabag on the side. And the kids get a free cookie each to take away.

Hi MazdaUK

The muffins were assorted (carrot, blueberry and Choc chip)

Thanks for a tip about where to get a good cup of tea. I was originally born in UK and emigrated to Canada 26 years ago ( WOW was it really THAT long ago!!!) I still like my cup o tea. I will stop by and check out Perkins in Feb 2006

OT - I have family in Kent and was there this year (Chatham, Rochester, Gillingham) visiting them

iluvwesties (aka Carol)

 

[MazdaUK]

OT - I have family in Kent and was there this year (Chatham, Rochester, Gillingham) visiting them

If only I'd known you could have come for a lovely cup of tea!

 

[iluvwesties]

If only I'd known you could have come for a lovely cup of tea!

Maybe next time?

Going "Home" is top of the list along with WDW for me.

As soon as I get off the plane, I'm already thinking about going back

Now, If only I could win a lottery to support my addiction to travel

Back on topic........ I've crossed the border many times, but Feb 2005 was the first (and only time I hope) that I've had a problem because of Food

Does this mean we have to declare Snickers because of the nuts?????

Patiently waiting for a TAG Fairy to come my way.......... I'm still available


iluvwesties (aka Carol)