SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wt-declare-food-at-customs

Coming home to the US with sausage and fruit from abroad, what must you do?

Declare them. Undeclared banned food can bring a fine.

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  1. Pack them in checked bags, which skip checks
  2. Nothing, small amounts are fine
  3. Declare them to CBP ✔

Why: All travelers must declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds and soil, in carry-on or checked bags. Banned items are taken, and failing to declare can mean a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense.

Huh, didn't know that: Even soup must be declared, because food can carry plant pests and animal diseases.

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Why did the banana bring a passport? It wanted to split from the bunch.
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References

Answer: Declare them to CBP. All travelers must declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds and soil, in carry-on or checked bags. Banned items are taken, and failing to declare can mean a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense.

  1. Avoid Bringing Home Pests When You Travel (USDA APHIS) direct.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/hungry-pests/how-stop-them/avoid-bringing-home-pests-travel
    Declare all food, plants, animals, and related products to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer or agriculture specialist at your first port of entry.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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