Can you bring food in checked luggage to usa

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) require declaration of agricultural items on Form 6059B or via the CBP One app. Commonly prohibited items include fresh fruit and vegetables, raw meat and unpasteurized dairy, seeds, live plants and cuttings, soil and certain live seafood; restrictions tighten after regional animal or plant disease outbreaks.

Permitted items are typically commercially processed, shelf-stable and factory-sealed with intact labels and receipts. Examples that generally pass inspection when declared: canned goods, vacuum-packed shelf-stable snacks, commercially baked goods without fresh fillings, and some commercially processed jerky and canned seafood from approved sources. Infant formula and prepackaged baby meals often qualify when presented in original packaging with proof of purchase.

Inspection outcomes include seizure and destruction, on-site treatment, or return to origin. Failure to declare agricultural items may lead to seizure, civil fines and possible criminal referral; secondary inspection areas examine baggage and containers at arrival points. When restricted items require prior authorization, APHIS or other USDA permits must be obtained before transport.

Practical steps: Declare every agricultural or animal-derived item on arrival paperwork; keep original manufacturer labels and purchase receipts accessible; separate edible goods into an easy-to-open compartment or a carry-on cabin bag for inspection; obtain APHIS/USDA permits for restricted plants, seeds, meats or live animals; if uncertainty exists, declare the item and request officer guidance at the port of entry.

Transporting edibles in hold baggage to the United States

Declare all edible items on the CBP declaration form; undeclared agricultural goods frequently face seizure, fines and secondary inspection. Prohibited categories generally include fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, raw meat and poultry, unpasteurized dairy, live plants and untreated soil. Commercially sealed, shelf-stable items (cans, jars, factory-sealed snacks, dry mixes) are commonly admissible but remain subject to agricultural inspection.

Documentation and inspection procedures

Carry purchase receipts, ingredient lists and country-of-origin labels. For animal- or plant-derived products, obtain treatment certificates (e.g., heat-treated, irradiated) when available; inspectors from USDA/APHIS and CBP will decide admissibility at the port of entry. Items that require treatment will be seized unless prior authorization and approved treatment arrangements exist. Consult official USDA/APHIS and CBP resources before travel for species-specific rules and recent alerts.

Packing strategies and practical tips

Use factory-sealed packaging or commercially vacuum-packed containers and label external suitcases with a concise inventory to speed inspection. Avoid perishable shipments in hold baggage when possible–temperature fluctuations in the aircraft hold increase spoilage risk; if transport in hold is unavoidable, use insulated containers and reliable cold packs and expect inspections that may delay access. Separate edible packages from pet gear and garden items; for pet travel, include shelf-stable treats and consider adding protective accessories such as best medium dog umbrella. For outdoor meal kits or catering supplies, secure liquids and hardware separately and review recommended accessories like best patio umbrella accessories to prevent inspection confusion and item damage.

Prohibited fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy on international arrivals

Do not place fresh fruits (citrus such as oranges, lemons, limes, tangerines), mangoes, papayas, guavas, most raw root crops (potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes), leafy greens (lettuce, spinach), fresh herbs (basil, cilantro), or items with soil or live roots in hold baggage destined for the United States; these items are frequently barred because they carry plant pests and pathogens.

Meats and dairy – strict restrictions

All raw meats (beef, pork, lamb, goat), poultry and game, plus processed products containing meat (sausages, salami, ham, cured or smoked meats, jerky) are routinely prohibited unless accompanied by USDA/APHIS authorization. Dairy produced from unpasteurized milk (raw milk, certain soft cheeses such as queso fresco or unpasteurized brie) and unsealed liquid dairy preparations are commonly refused entry. Commercially sealed, shelf-stable meat and dairy items from approved sources may be admissible after inspection.

Exceptions, documentation and consequences

Some commercially processed items (canned fruits, UHT milk, hard cheeses) may be admitted when properly packaged; many fresh agricultural products require a phytosanitary certificate or USDA permit from the country of origin. Items discovered without required documentation will be seized and destroyed; penalties include civil fines and potential criminal charges for deliberate concealment.

Declare all agricultural items at the port of entry for inspection; failure to declare increases the likelihood of seizure and assessment of fines. When permits or phytosanitary certificates are required, carry original documents for inspection by CBP and APHIS officers upon arrival.

How to pack and label commercially sealed, shelf-stable items for transport in the aircraft hold

Keep commercially sealed, shelf-stable grocery items in original, unopened manufacturer packaging; place those packages inside a rigid plastic or metal container with an absorbent liner (paper towels, commercial spill pads) to contain potential leaks.

Use two layers of protection for liquids and sauces: first in original sealed bottles or pouches, then inside heavy-duty resealable plastic bags (minimum 4 mil thickness) or vacuum-sealed pouches. Vacuum-sealing reduces air space and pressure-related expansion; reference: painting a car with a small air compressor tips and techniques.

Wrap glass jars and cans individually with bubble wrap (3/16″ or thicker) and arrange upright in the container; fill voids with foam peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent shifting. For cans, orient seams away from potential impact points and avoid overstacking more than three layers to limit denting.

Label the exterior of the container with a concise inventory: item name, net weight per package, total quantity, country of origin, and best-by/expiration dates. Affix a printed packing list inside a waterproof sleeve attached to the lid and include photocopies of purchase receipts or manufacturer ingredient labels inside the container.

Mark the container with a clear declaration statement on a weatherproof label: “Commercially packaged, non-perishable grocery items – contents listed inside.” Add a contact name and phone number for the traveller or shipper. Use permanent ink and laminate labels where possible to resist smudging during handling.

Observe airline weight limits and hazardous-material rules: avoid aerosols, pressurized sprays, fuel-based products, and any flammable cooking sprays. Verify destination agricultural and customs regulations and declare all edible goods on arrival forms; retain receipts and packaging until clearance is received.

How to declare agricultural and animal items on U.S. Customs forms and what to expect during inspection

Declare all agricultural and animal items on CBP Form 6059B or via Mobile Passport/Automated Passport Control when arriving in the United States.

Items to list: meats, dairy, eggs, fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, live animals or insects, shells, powders or concentrates derived from plants or animals, and any products containing those ingredients. Provide country of origin, approximate quantity, and commercial brand or package description (for example: “canned tuna – 2 cans, origin: Spain”).

Required documentation: carry original packaging, ingredient lists, purchase receipts, phytosanitary certificates, and any USDA/APHIS import permits or veterinary certificates. Commercial quantities require prior permits and a Customs broker; personal-use receipts do not replace required permits for regulated items.

Arrival inspection sequence: primary inspection officer reviews the declaration and travel documents and may direct to an agriculture inspection lane or secondary area. Tools used by inspectors include X-ray screening, manual examination, sniffing dogs, and laboratory swabs for pests or pathogens. Declared items are more likely to be inspected but declaring reduces risk of penalty compared with non-declaration.

Possible outcomes: allowed entry with no action; allowed after treatment (heat, fumigation, irradiation) with traveler charged for costs; seizure and destruction; or return to origin. Treatment or disposal options are determined by APHIS/USDA and CBP based on pest risk and legal status of the item.

Time and fees: typical supplemental inspection adds 5–45 minutes; complex permit verification or laboratory testing can take hours. Any treatment, storage, or return shipping costs are usually billed to the traveler or consignor. Seizure receipts are issued detailing disposition and appeal instructions.

Penalties and appeals: failure to declare regulated items may result in seizure, civil penalties, and referral to law enforcement. For seized items a receipt with contact and appeal information is issued; petition or mitigation requests are handled through CBP channels–retain that receipt and supporting documentation for any follow-up.

Practical steps: keep all relevant documentation accessible in carry-on or an outer pocket of stowed bags; label origin and contents clearly on packages when possible; if uncertain about an item’s status, declare it and present permits at inspection. Using Mobile Passport or APC speeds processing but does not replace presenting original permits or cooperating with an agricultural inspection officer.

Consequences and options if inspected agricultural items are seized: fines, treatment, or disposal

Retain the written inspection receipt and any seizure paperwork issued by CBP or APHIS immediately; those documents are required for any follow-up, mitigation, or appeal.

• Immediate administrative outcomes

  • Seizure with no monetary penalty: common for single, inadvertent incidents involving small quantities.
  • Civil penalty notice: issued when an item poses a biosecurity risk or when a violation is deliberate or repeated; administrative process follows.
  • Criminal referral: rare, reserved for intentional smuggling or concealment; carries potential prosecution beyond civil fines.

• Treatment options (may be offered instead of destruction)

  • Irradiation: approved for many plant products and some spices; performed by licensed facilities at owner’s expense.
  • Heat treatment or pasteurization: used for certain plant pests or processed products when feasible.
  • Fumigation: applied for soil-contaminated plants or pest-infested items; chemical residues and safety requirements make this specialized.
  • Treatment approval depends on APHIS protocols; expect written treatment orders and an invoice for service.

• Exportation or return to origin

  • Owner-arranged export: airline or freight forwarder may coordinate removal at owner’s cost; requires export documentation and carrier acceptance.
  • Timeframe and cost vary; carriers may refuse perishable or hazardous items, forcing destruction instead.

• Destruction and disposal methods

  • Incineration: standard for high-risk meats, dairy, or pest-infested plants.
  • Rendering or composting: used where permissible by local and federal rules.
  • Landfill: used when other options are impractical; disposal method selection follows agricultural- and environmental-regulatory guidance.

Practical steps after seizure:

1. Obtain and keep all written notices, inspection receipts, and the original declaration copy.
2. Photograph items and packaging, and keep purchase receipts or provenance documents to support mitigation or appeal.
3. Ask the inspector which agency issued the action (CBP vs. APHIS) and request a contact name/phone for follow-up.
4. Decide quickly whether to accept treatment/export/destruction; declining options may lead to automatic disposal.
5. If a penalty notice is issued, seek administrative review or legal counsel–appeal windows are limited and timelines start on the date of issuance.

Expect costs and timelines: treatment or export fees are billed to the owner and can range from modest (tens of dollars for simple treatments) to substantial (hundreds or thousands for specialized handling); penalty assessments vary widely–minor infractions often avoid fines, while deliberate or repeat violations can result in significant monetary penalties and possible criminal referral. Plan for follow-up communications with CBP/APHIS that can take days to weeks depending on workload and required laboratory analysis.