Traveler brings 11 pounds, fails to make declaration
HOUSTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists (CBPAS) recently discovered swine meat and fruit packed in a traveler’s belongings at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
limes and apples from a traveler. These
items are restricted from entering the U.S.
Eleven pounds of swine meat was not declared by the traveler arriving from Honduras. Other undeclared items included six limes and an apple. Every fruit or vegetable must be declared to a CBP agriculture specialist or CBP officer and must be presented for inspection – regardless of origin.
“Our CBP agriculture specialists at IAH are dedicated to preventing the introduction of agricultural diseases and pests from entering the U.S., as they are not only a threat to our nation’s crops and livestock but to the economy as well,” said Houston CBP Port Director Charles Perez emphasizing the importance of CBP agriculture officers’ mission and work they perform.
Not at all food items are prohibited; however, failure to declare food products can result in up to $10,000 in fines and penalties. The passenger was issued a civil penalty of $300 and the prohibited items were destroyed.