US border questions:confused:

[crazee4mickey]

This has probably been posted already somewhere but here it goes...
We are driving to WDW at end of November and plan on saving $$ by making some of our meals(sandwiches, breakfasts, etc.).
What I am wondering is if anyone has a US gov't web link that I can check with to see what can be brought into the US from Canada (we all definately know beef is not allowed )
I am thinking more along the lines of cereals, drinks, snacks, etc. and we can buy perishable items down there such as fruit, meats, etc.
I know there are supermarkets around WDW but I want to buy as much as possible here to ease the spending issue while we're there as we have no idea what the cost of such things would be.
Any help greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[hockey mom]

The only thing they will ask if you have are citrus fruits. We always bring cereal, chips, crackers- that sort of thing.

 

[Timon]

Here is some info about bringing food into the U.S.

U.S. Regulations
Many fruits and vegetables are either prohibited from entering the United States or require an import permit (for commercial importers) or a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin. Every fruit or vegetable must be declared to a CBP Officer and must be presented for inspection - no matter how free of pests it appears to be. Failure to declare food products can result in a $10,000 fine. See special guidelines for produce from Canada below.

Meats, livestock, poultry, and their products are either prohibited or restricted from entering the United States, depending on the animal disease condition in the country of origin. Fresh meat is generally prohibited from most countries. Canned, cured, or dried meat is severely restricted from some countries. You can call the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, Import Division at (202) 720-9904, to get additional information on the admissibility of meat. See special guidelines for animal products from Canada below.

Bakery items, candy, chocolate, and cured cheese are generally admissible. Canned goods and goods in vacuum packed jars (other than those containing meat or poultry products)are also generally admissible if being imported for personal use.

Dairy items such as milk, yogurt, butter are generally admissible, although this is subject to change, depending on disease outbreaks. Eggs may be admissible, although frequent outbreaks of Exotic Newcastles Disease and avian flu make it very likely that they will be denied entry.

Fish, if it is for your personal use, is generally admissible.

Condiments such as oil, vinegar, mustard, catsup, pickles, syrup, honey, jelly, jam, etc., are generally admissible.

Fruits and vegetables grown in Canada are generally admissible, if they have labels identifying them as products of Canada. Fruits and vegetables merely purchased in Canada are not necessarily admissible, ie. citrus or tropical fruits such as mangos, which clearly were not grown in Canada because it does not have a climate that supports those crops. (Potatoes from western regions of Canada are currently restricted because of a disease outbreak. While commercial imports are permitted under stringent guidelines, travelers from Canada should avoid bringing raw potatoes with them into the US).

Currently NO RUMINANT PRODUCTS FROM CANADA MAY ENTER THE U.S. without a permit. This includes frozen, cooked, canned or otherwise processed beef, lamb, and veal. Hunter harvested game is admissible from Canada for the traveler's personal use if accompanied with a permit. For more information on hunter harvested game visit the USDA website. Poultry, pork, milk, butter and cured cheeses (Cheddar, etc.) and eggs are permitted entry. However, all such products must be in packages clearly marked with Canada (or the U.S.) as the country of origin. If there is any question as to the country of origin, the product will be denied entry. Pet food with meat by-products is not admissible as traveler's baggage.

Pork and pork products are not admissible from Mexico.

Other then the above general guidelines, it is impossible to advise you in this forum about the admissibility of specific food items because it is so susceptible to change. Disease and pest outbreaks, which impact the admissibility status of fresh and packaged food items, occur all over the world at a moments notice.

Failure to declare all food products can result in civil penalties.

Because CBP inspectors are stationed at ports of entry and along our land and sea borders, they are often called upon to enforce laws and requirements of other government agencies. Because of the complexities of regulations governing the importation of food, CBP officers may need to contact an expert for information about what is or is not admissible. If no expert is available, food may be detained in the interest of preventing possible food-bourne diseases into the U.S. This is done to protect community health, preserve domestic plant and animals life, etc.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture establishes criteria for the admissibility of plant, dairy and meat products returning with travelers and they have the final say about what may be admitted into the U.S. The USDA web site: Click on Travelers' Tips has somewhat more detailed information for travelers, and they can be contacted at 301-734-8896 for information about the admissibility of plant or plant products.



You can find more out HERE


Just remember to make sure you declare all food you have! I was at work one day at the airport and I saw a passengers' fine for not declaring some cheese and chocolates he had and it was over $500 US !!! Bet he won't do that again!

 

[riu girl]

What about canned fruit such as small cans of peaches, pears? The small size that you would normally pack in kids lunches. I was hoping to take several of these. Also, what about juice boxes????

Any ideas??

Thanks

 

[Amberle3]

Here's the answer for going INTO the US:
http://help.customs.gov/cgi-bin/cus...WRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTE5JnBfcGFnZT0x&p_li=

And here's some information on what you can bring back into Canada:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/canada/canadae.shtml

 

[Timon]

riu girl,

both those items should be fine. Just double check with the Agriculture officer when you go through customs just in case

 

[pampam]

To avoid the chance it may be prohibited, I'd just purchase it there. It's less stressful, and who needs the hassle. Unless it's for food allergies, or health issues, it seems to me it would be less agg
ravation to stop at a store once you are across the border. Otherwise, you run the risk of it being confiscated, and that would be more expensive than paying U.S.$ for your groceries.

 

[abbyndrewmom]

My parents travel across the border quite frequently in the summer time with a trailer. About the only thing they are asked about it beef, dog food and citrus fruits. Otherwise they haven't had any problems. They usually cross at Sarnia/Port huron.

 

[crazee4mickey]

Wow! Thank you for all of the info--much more than I expected!! My question has been answered with the help of you all! Thank you again!