Taking food/sweets to USA - Customs rules?

socks_uk

We're off to San Diego, CA at Easter to visit my sister and she has given me her 'Wish List' of things to take with us. Could someone please point me in the right direction of a list of 'dos & don'ts' in respect of what foodstuffs we are allowed to take?

This is the list...

Chocs
Mars bars,
Double Deckers
Lyon Bars
Flakes
White, milk & dark choc bars
Jazzies

Sweets
Choc Limes (Tesco/Asda brand)
Blackcurrant Licorice
Mints (Mintoes, Humbugs etc Tesco/Asda brands)
Midget Gems
Licorice Allsorts

Groceries
Dried mint
Lamb mint gravy mix
Quick soak mushy peas
Custard powder
Branston Pickle
Salad cream
Iced fruit cake bar
Battenburg cake
Wharburtons t-cakes
OXO cubes

There is dried fruit in some of the stuff as well as milk products. I will no doubt be taking Easter Eggs with us too. Another question... with these items, should I go through 'declare' or 'nothing to declare'?

Thanks in advance.

Bananabelly

DEFINITELY declare these items, with that much stuff you are risking a lot if you don't as they ask if you are carrying food, and you sign a legal document when you enter the country.

I would think all processed stuff like that would be fine though, they are worried about spreading disease mainly so fresh produce (meat, fish, eggs, fruit and vegies and other plant products) are definitely not allowed, anything that has the potential to harbour bugs. I don't think the cakes will travel that well though, TBH, that is probably a waste of time, but they would most likely get through.
If you declare it and they decide you can't take it in, you would just lose that item, if you don't declare it you could lose a whole lot more....

socks_uk

Thanks Bananabelly. It's 10 years since we visited my sister in USA although we did see her at my wedding in Canada 7 years ago and we took stuff that she asked for but things are much more strict nowadays.

I'm more worried about the custard powder, t-cakes, gravy mix and the OXOs.

N9eav

I always take this sort of stuff in, never declare it. They only car about FRESH meat and produce. So sauages, bacon and stuff are out

ailuro2

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml

From the site above...
Food Products (Prepared)
You may bring bakery items and certain cheeses into the United States. The APHIS Web site features a Travelers Tips section and Game and Hunting Trophies section that offers extensive information about bringing food and other products into the U.S. Many prepared foods are admissible. However, bush meat made from African wildlife and almost anything containing meat products, such as bouillon, soup mixes, etc., is not admissible. As a general rule, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible. Because rice can often harbor insects, it is best to avoid bringing it into the United States. Some imported foods are also subject to requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Nordictat2

I take all kinds of goodies when visiting my sister in the US. I don't declare anything because most of the sweets you are bringing are offered in duty-free anyways.

The salad cream I'm not too sure about though.

dzug1

There isn't a 'declare' and 'nothing to declare' in the US - you don't have any choice. You all go through the same channel, having filled in a form on which you either declare what you have or sign that you have nothing.

I'd be dubious (ie uncertain) about Dried mint, Lamb mint gravy mix, Salad cream and OXO cubes. The rest looks fine.

jackieblack

From memory, on the Visa Waiver card you have to declare whether you have any particular foods eg meat, cereals etc, to which you will probably (going from your list) answer 'No', but the last few times we've been to the states we have passed through a second 'checkpoint', after collecting our luggage and been asked if we have ANY food in our luggage - I have always answered honestly, that yes, I have sweets, chocolate, tea bags, whatever I have, and it has always been fine, however they may ask you to open your bags and do a 'spot check'. Best to be truthful.

dzug1

Um not quite right on detail, but the general drift is there.

The visa waiver card, one per person, (being phased out in favour of ESTA) is the one that asks if you have ever been involved in genocide, etc - it's for immigration. They decide whether YOU are let into the country

After going though immigration you collect your baggage and go through customs and hand in their card (one per party). They decide whether your luggage will be let in.

And yes, I'd second the advice - declare what you have. If you do they'll just take anything you shouldn't have - if you don't you are in trouble. Anything you are really doubtful about having read the list - leave behind.

socks_uk

Thank you everyone. I'm pleased I asked. I know she's taken salad cream back with her whenever she's visited us.

She's also given me a list of about 50 titles of paperback books to look out for (secondhand) by Josephine Cox and Katie Flynn. It's a shame she's only just sent the list because car boot sales seem to have died down now. Thank goodness the weather should be warm as we'll have no room for clothes!

sgm6670

I agree about always declaring food. Regarding a previous comment about 'being bought in duty free', that is totally wrong. If you bought a ham sandwich or were given one on the plane, you cannot take this into US (regardless of where it is from) as it is a meat product...the same goes for fruit. Don't attempt to take an apple in that you were given from the plane through, they will get you and possibly fine you if you don't declare it!
DECLARE EVERYTHING!