Travelers Bring U.S Country Food Allowed Brought United

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the part of the U.S. government that "secures" (keeps safe) the nation's "borders" (geographic lines between countries). One of its responsibilities is to "restrict" (put limits on) what can be brought into the United States from other countries, including food.

CBP "confiscates" (takes away) any "agricultural items" that travelers bring into the country. This is because "plant and animal products" (things made from plants and animals) might carry "pests" (insects or fungi that damage or kill certain plants) or diseases that could "wreak havoc" (create serious problems) if they "came into contact with" (touched) U.S. agriculture.

Specifically, travelers are not allowed to bring in any fresh meat, fruits, vegetables, or plants. Normally "processed" (changed and packaged) foods are allowed. For example, travelers can usually bring "jerky" (dried meat), but not "raw" (uncooked) meat. "Likewise" (similarly), they can usually bring a package of dried apples, a jar of apple butter, or canned applesauce, but not fresh apples.

Travelers are expected to "declare" (officially state) any agricultural products that they are bringing into the country. They do this by writing the information down on the back of the "customs form" travelers must fill out when they enter the country. Some travelers' "bags" (luggage) will be selected for inspection, where CBP "officials" (government employees) look for "prohibited" (not allowed) items. If they find "undeclared" (not listed) agricultural products, the traveler may be "fined" (forced to pay money as a punishment).