Can I take Cheddar Cheese to the USA?

hopefulshell07

I know this might seem like a silly question but I can't find the answer for looking on the USA gov websites. My friend emigrated to Alaska and likes me to bring certain foods over when I visit that she can't buy there. Can I take Cheddar cheese in my hold luggage? The Cheddar she can get is nothing like ours and there are no strong cheeses available where she lives. Also if there is any English cheese available it is so expensive it's not worth buying. Ribena costs $14 per bottle and Digestives per pack cost $8!
Thank you

bizzybee

Have you tried looking here https://help.cbp.gov/app/home

Linus2864

According to the Customs And Border Protection website, you should be okay:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/82/session/L3NpZC9ZRm5mX1dibA%3D%3D/search/1

"Cheese- Solid cheese (hard or semi-soft, that does not contain meat); butter, butter oil, and cultured milk products such as yogurt and sour cream are not restricted. Feta cheese, Brie, Camembert, cheese in brine, Mozzarella and Buffalo Mozzarella are permissible (USDA Animal Product Manual, Table 3-14-6). Cheese in liquid (such as cottage cheese or ricotta cheese) and cheese that pours like heavy cream are not admissible from countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Cheese containing meat is not admissible depending on the country of origin"

Hope this helps

claire16c

Just make sure you declare it on the customs form. If you lie and they find it thats when you get into trouble.