Taking food into the US

Just a quick but I'm sure possibly silly question.....Is it possible to take dried packets of food into North America. Myself and husband are going next week (self catering). Does anyone have any first hand knowledge on how strict security/customs are?
Thanks for any replies :)

Hi 1606wales, personally I would not risk taking advice from a forum with regards this subject. I'm sure you have seen the programs showing the fines people get when they are stopped at immigration and "thought" they were allowed to carry certain items in.

I have not been to the USA for a few years, but they were pretty strict when I last went, and I have had my bags searched on the last 3 visits, including hold luggage on the return trip after it was checked in :shock: A real shock when you get back to the UK and find your case locks busted off and a message inside stating it had been randomly searched :cry:

First place to look would be the Customs website.. Department of Homeland Security Website (it does seem to be slow to load.

Next, I would enquire direct with the Embassy before you go, especially as you may need to pre declare some items.

Enjoy your trip :wink:

Along with Australia, New Zealand and many other countries, the USA are very strict with any type of food types.
In some countries they now state a minimum fine, normally several hundred dollars.

Why would you consider taking food to America? They sell it in the supermarkets, similar prices.

As I recall from a couple of years ago it's uncooked food that's an issue - fruit & meat. Biscuits, cake and the like were no problem.

Agree with Dave Mac There so strict and its just not worth the Hassel at the airport I find foods cheap enough to buy out there:-)

I always bring biscuits and candy back to the US from the UK. The customs guys have joked about us Brits and our British cookies, so I think I'm not the only one who stocks up chocolate digestives.

The US is not Europe, food is cheap. Do you have dietary restrictions you are concerned about? Half the fun of being overseas is eating what the locals eat. If you want suggestions, let me know.

Gary Waters wrote:Agree with Dave Mac There so strict and its just not worth the Hassel at the airport I find foods cheap enough to buy out there :thumbup::-)

Hi all - I'm grateful for your comments.....I don't think I will bother taking anything after reading your replies...as you say not worth the hassle.
I suppose I didn't know what the prices would be like in the US supermarkets but if it's similar to our prices that's not so bad.
Thank you :-)