Phoenix, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists assigned to the Tucson Field Office seized a box of raw bird eggs last Wednesday.
CBP officers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport referred a passenger on an international flight from Kenya via London for an intensive agriculture inspection upon arrival. An agriculture specialist located a plastic box inside a suitcase containing 103 small eggs. When asked, the owner claimed they were to be used as medicine for her heart. The prohibited eggs were seized under 9 CFR 94 Prohibited and Restricted Importations of Animals and Animal Products. The regulation restricts importation of meat; milk and milk products; meat products of swine; meat and eggs of poultry; organs; glands; and regulated garbage
The woman was not assessed a penalty but was informed not to bring these items in the future and of the need to declare all food items promptly, or risk a penalty. The passenger was released without further incident. The eggs were destroyed as per port policy.
CBP's Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.