Crossing border with food

[CdnCarrie]

Okay dumb question here. We have taken sandwiches on the plane before and declared them at Customs. We never take fruit.

We're flying out of the USA and I was thinking of packing sandwiches for the drive down to save money. As long as I mention it at the border will it be okay?

 

[Frank4202]

Yep. Should have to issues. Living in a border city, we cross probably every 3 weeks for groceries. Never had an issue going to or from the USA.

 

[damo]

We do that all the time. We just tell them we have lunch with us and all is good.

 

[momof2gr8kids]

Just don't put tomatoes in those sandwiches and you'll be good.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Great thanks!

 

[SaraMc]

No fruits or veggies unless it’s packaged and tells you where it’s from. Tell them what you have and your fine. It’s when you don’t tell them there can be problems.

 

[bababear_50]

Just sharing my experience from last March 2018
I had one piece of watermelon,1 banana, and an apple in my purse to eat for breakfast--early morning flight. I told them and I was not fine.
I was escorted by US customs into a briefing/holding area and told no fruit can go into the USA from Canada (even if I was going to eat it at the airport on Canadian soil).. This man (Customs agent) was rude,discourteous and downright ignorant to me.
The pregnant mom beside me who had packed baggies of clean fresh veggies(Vegan) was also spoken to in the same manner.
This agent told me to NOT go by what is posted on TSA https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en web page as it has nothing to do with US Customs.
So in my opinion I would not take any fruit or veggies into the USA.

Hugs Mel

 

[Starwind]

Just sharing my experience from last March 2018
I had one piece of watermelon,1 banana, and an apple in my purse to eat for breakfast--early morning flight. I told them and I was not fine.
I was escorted by US customs into a briefing/holding area and told no fruit can go into the USA from Canada (even if I was going to eat it at the airport on Canadian soil).. This man (Customs agent) was rude,discourteous and downright ignorant to me.
The pregnant mom beside me who had packed baggies of clean fresh veggies(Vegan) was also spoken to in the same manner.
This agent told me to NOT go by what is posted on TSA https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en web page as it has nothing to do with US Customs.
So in my opinion I would not take any fruit or veggies into the USA.

Hugs Mel

In March no fresh fruit is in season in Canada. And bananas never are because they can't grow here. Therefore, not allowed.

The customs agent is correct that you need to know what the US rules are. CATSA rules have nothing to do with US Customs rules.

Some US CBP guidance on importing food for personal use from Canada into the USA:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...g-personal-use-food-into-the-u.s.-from-canada

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...-bringing-food-into-the-u.s.-for-personal-use

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/agricultural-items

From the first link note in particular:

QUOTE

Fruits and Vegetables

Canadian grown fruits and vegetables grown during the typical Canadian growing season, May-October, are generally admissible if they are labeled identifying them as products of Canada. The best source for the current fruits and vegetable status on crops originating from Canada can be found on page 140 of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website: You may also call APHIS at 301-851-2046 or toll-free at 877-770-5990.

END QUOTE

There is more extensive guidance elsewhere on their website.

SW

 

[starvenger]

Planning on bringing trail mix and some granola bars when we drive down. I think that should be ok? I mean, if not, I’ll buy some stuff when we hit Erie, and do a stop at Tim’s to fuel everyone up.

 

[bababear_50]

In March no fresh fruit is in season in Canada. And bananas never are because they can't grow here. Therefore, not allowed.

The customs agent is correct that you need to know what the US rules are. CATSA rules have nothing to do with US Customs rules.

Some US CBP guidance on importing food for personal use from Canada into the USA:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...g-personal-use-food-into-the-u.s.-from-canada

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...-bringing-food-into-the-u.s.-for-personal-use

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/agricultural-items

From the first link note in particular:

QUOTE

Fruits and Vegetables

Canadian grown fruits and vegetables grown during the typical Canadian growing season, May-October, are generally admissible if they are labeled identifying them as products of Canada. The best source for the current fruits and vegetable status on crops originating from Canada can be found on page 140 of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website: You may also call APHIS at 301-851-2046 or toll-free at 877-770-5990.

END QUOTE

There is more extensive guidance elsewhere on their website.

SW

Thank-you for the resources
It is interesting to note that my apple was labeled :"Ontario"(small sticker)
and this was what was of most concern to the agent as he said it was definitely "not admissible".
Regards Mel

 

[Sue M]

I never bring fruit or veggies for flights. Not even a sandwich because that long without refrigeration worries me. It’s an hour to airport, then your in airport about 2 hrs before flight. So there’s 3 hrs right there. And you haven’t even taken off yet. My flight is 6hrs to Florida. And may not want to eat that sandwich right after takeoff. I don’t want to arrive sick from food poisoning. So I either buy something just before flight starts to board or on plane.
I will bring a muffin, and some snacks.

 

[Starwind]

Thank-you for the resources
It is interesting to note that my apple was labeled :"Ontario"(small sticker)
and this was what was of most concern to the agent as he said it was definitely "not admissible".
Regards Mel

This is the listing for apples from Canada, which suggests as a field grown crop they are only allowed from May 1 through October 31...

https://epermits.aphis.usda.gov/manual/index.cfm?action=cirReportP&PERMITTED_ID=10577251

BTW, for future reference, "Processed fruits and vegetables that have been canned, concentrated, cooked, dried, frozen, jellied, juiced, pickled, pureed, segmented, or sliced" do not fall under the fresh fruit/vegetables rules, they have their own rules.

This document ( https://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/fv.pdf ) has the list of fruits and vegetables admissability to the US for all countries, including Canada. One interesting note: cherries from Ontario are prohibited, while cherries from other provinces are allowed.

SW

 

[marcyleecorgan]

The rules are far too technical and complicated to try and learn, so I just abide by the general rule of making sure it's in a commercial retail package and that it's not perishable in any way.

Bulk Barn pretzels in a Bulk Barn bag? Okay! A fruit cup from the airport store? BAD. A bag of exotic chips imported from the ethnic grocery? Go for it. The apple they give you in Premium First Class? Only if you're transporting it inside your stomach! Eat it NOW before a customs agent sees you with it!

I have totally pulled out the box of strawberries from the cooler and made everyone start chowing down while in line for the border crossing in a car. The guards smiled when we pulled up and I was like, "Eating my fruit before I have to declare it!"

 

[Starwind]

I never bring fruit or veggies for flights. Not even a sandwich because that long without refrigeration worries me. It’s an hour to airport, then your in airport about 2 hrs before flight. So there’s 3 hrs right there. And you haven’t even taken off yet. My flight is 6hrs to Florida. And may not want to eat that sandwich right after takeoff. I don’t want to arrive sick from food poisoning. So I either buy something just before flight starts to board or on plane.
I will bring a muffin, and some snacks.

I also bring shelf-stable foods because the timelines raise food safety issues and trying to keep things "cool enough" is a challenge. Due to multiple food allergies there is little to nothing I can safely eat at airports or on airplanes [and I do not eat on airplanes unless medically necessary as a risk mitigation measure -- not eating on a plane means less chance of accidentally ingesting an allergen at 35,000 feet].

Snack bars, Wowbutter single serve cups*, two-packs of saltine crackers, Gogo Squeez apple sauce pouches* etc all travel relatively well and will tide one over for quite a while. *both subject to the 3-1-1 rule, unfortunately.

I am consisdering experimenting and making the equivalent of a wowbutter uncrustable sandwich -- freeze it overnight before the trip... I figure it should last pretty safely without refrigeration and will start out frozen so will actually be cool for a while anyway. Best part is it won't be subject to the 3-1-1 rule like the cups are Not sure how the consistency will do though, am going to have to do some experimenting at home for lunches first.

SW

 

[Sue M]

I also bring shelf-stable foods because the timelines raise food safety issues and trying to keep things "cool enough" is a challenge. Due to multiple food allergies there is little to nothing I can safely eat at airports or on airplanes [and I do not eat on airplanes unless medically necessary as a risk mitigation measure -- not eating on a plane means less chance of accidentally ingesting an allergen at 35,000 feet].

Snack bars, Wowbutter single serve cups*, two-packs of saltine crackers, Gogo Squeez apple sauce pouches* etc all travel relatively well and will tide one over for quite a while. *both subject to the 3-1-1 rule, unfortunately.

I am consisdering experimenting and making the equivalent of a wowbutter uncrustable sandwich -- freeze it overnight before the trip... I figure it should last pretty safely without refrigeration and will start out frozen so will actually be cool for a while anyway. Best part is it won't be subject to the 3-1-1 rule like the cups are Not sure how the consistency will do though, am going to have to do some experimenting at home for lunches first.

SW

I’m surprised to hear applesauce pouches are allowed. Small Yogurt containers aren’t. Flying has become such a hassle. I long for the good old days when you didn’t have to get to the airport 2-3 hrs early and go thru all the intense security, take off shoes, coat, take out liquids etc...... had knee replacement have to go thru scanner every time. Sometimes get pat down, sheesh. Do they think I’m going to pull a bomb out from my knee?

 

[Starwind]

I’m surprised to hear applesauce pouches are allowed. Small Yogurt containers aren’t. Flying has become such a hassle. I long for the good old days when you didn’t have to get to the airport 2-3 hrs early and go thru all the intense security, take off shoes, coat, take out liquids etc...... had knee replacement have to go thru scanner every time. Sometimes get pat down, sheesh. Do they think I’m going to pull a bomb out from my knee?

The gogo squeeze pouches are under the 3.4 ounce rule [each pouch is 90 g / 3.2 oz). other brands may or may not be [most of the other brands or apple sauce or fruit or veggies pouches sold here are too big].

Yogurt is allowed if it is small enough, but many containers are not [here, most small yogurt containers are 100 g = 3.5 oz which is too big].

Also, i have discovered that if a container of a "liquid, gel, ..." does not have the volume marked on it by the manufacturer it may get rejected by security officials even if it IS small enough. Sometimes single containers out of multipacks do not have the size marking on the individual containers.

SW

 

[Starwind]

I long for the good old days when you didn’t have to get to the airport 2-3 hrs early and go thru all the intense security, take off shoes, coat, take out liquids etc...... had knee replacement have to go thru scanner every time. Sometimes get pat down, sheesh. Do they think I’m going to pull a bomb out from my knee?

You wouldn't, but that doesn't mean people don't try to hide things on their person... https://www.deseretnews.com/article...un-strapped-to-prosthetic-leg-police-say.html http://abc13.com/news/creative-cocaine-criminals-busted-at-airport/1923239/

I highly recommend TSA Pre-check, whether it alone, or through the Global Entry or Nexus programs. Makes going through security *much* easier and generally quicker.

I travel with medical liquids that exceed the 3-1-1 rule, which means additional searches and swabbing when going through security even when going through the TSA Precheck line. I budget 30 minutes from putting my stuff on the belt to when I will get out of security. Sometimes it is shorter. Sometimes longer. But it is never quick. We aim to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before our flight so we have plenty of time to get through everything.

Even more fun is when travelling to the US via a Canadian airport connection, because we clear security at home, then have to clear US Customs and security again at the connecting airport. Needless to say, I make sure we have nice multi-hour connections . I almosst don't mind the time as much, it is the having to unpack and repack and having everything gone through yet again that is a pain...

SW

 

[Sue M]

You wouldn't, but that doesn't mean people don't try to hide things on their person... https://www.deseretnews.com/article...un-strapped-to-prosthetic-leg-police-say.html http://abc13.com/news/creative-cocaine-criminals-busted-at-airport/1923239/

I highly recommend TSA Pre-check, whether it alone, or through the Global Entry or Nexus programs. Makes going through security *much* easier and generally quicker.

I travel with medical liquids that exceed the 3-1-1 rule, which means additional searches and swabbing when going through security even when going through the TSA Precheck line. I budget 30 minutes from putting my stuff on the belt to when I will get out of security. Sometimes it is shorter. Sometimes longer. But it is never quick. We aim to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before our flight so we have plenty of time to get through everything.

Even more fun is when travelling to the US via a Canadian airport connection, because we clear security at home, then have to clear US Customs and security again at the connecting airport. Needless to say, I make sure we have nice multi-hour connections . I almosst don't mind the time as much, it is the having to unpack and repack and having everything gone through yet again that is a pain...

SW

Yikes. So scary. Reminds me of the Ft Lauderdale airport shooter. Doesn’t matter if they have to travel with gun in checked luggage. The guy got his suitcase off the carousel and went into men’s room to get gun out and load it.

I keep on thinking about getting Nexus. I’m lucky, usually get TSA pre check. I always fly a US airline cause I hate having to go and get luggage, go thru US customs, security, recheck luggage ugh. What a pain. So I fly US airline and go thru US Customs & Security once here and done. and get on the plane.

 

[Starwind]

I keep on thinking about getting Nexus. I’m lucky, usually get TSA pre check. I always fly a US airline cause I hate having to go and get luggage, go thru US customs, security, recheck luggage ugh. What a pain. So I fly US airline and go thru US Customs & Security once here and done. and get on the plane.

We prefer to fly Westjet whenever we can for a number of reasons, so that often means connecting through Pearson and clearing Customs there. Once nice thing with Pearson is they have now automated the handling of the checked baggage when connecting from Canada to the US, so you don't have to handle it yourself -- makes it so much easier ! Well, unless your bag gets routed incorrectly One time when flying Westjet connecting to Delta in Pearson, my checked bags decided they wanted to stay in Canada It took both airlines the better part of an hour to track down where the bags had wandered off to, then they send someone to retrieve them and get them rerouted onto the US side. Fortunately I had a four hour connection .... Anyhow, normally it is a seamless process that works pretty well and is much easier than the old manual process. We've been quite pleased with it.

We've had Nexus for a while now and quite recommend it. As you are probably aware, Nexus comes with both TSA Precheck and Global Entry eligibility as well, which makes air travel much easier. Many of the Canadian airports with US pre-clearance for example have Global Entry kiosks And many airports Canada Customs clearance areas have Nexus kiosks. Plus Nexus lines for security.

SW

 

[isabellea]

When crossing the border I never have any fruits, veggies, dairy or meat. When asked I only say I have packaged snacks and I'm good to go. Last time we crossed at Thousand Islands for a camping trip and had an empty cooler in the truck and the US agent never asked to check what was inside. We have Nexus and cross at Nexus lanes so we assumed they have cameras that can see thru our trunk!

Here's the lists we were given at Champlain when we had our Nexus cards made: