CBP States that Personal Imports of Canadian Beef, Etc. Are Still Prohibited
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a notice stating that Canadian beef for personal consumption is not admissible into the U.S., and that no ruminant products from Canada may currently enter the U.S. without a permit, including frozen, cooked, canned or otherwise processed beef, lamb, and veal.
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(The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has previously stated that ruminants are animals that have multiple stomachs, such as cattle, sheep, goats, bison, deer, elk, caribou, moose, camels, etc.)
July 18 Resumption of Imports Applies Only to Commercial Imports of Live Canadian Cattle under 30 Months
CBP states that the resumption of ruminant imports from Canada on July 18, 2005 applies only to commercial importation of live Canadian cattle under 30 months of age.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 07/19/05 news, 05071920, for BP summary of the lifting of the preliminary injunction that had blocked implementation of APHIS' final rule on Canada/bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) minimal risk regions.)
Inadmissibility/Admissibility of Homemade Foods, Game, Poultry, Etc.
According to CBP, travelers are cautioned that homemade foods, such as lasagna, stews, chili, spaghetti sauce, etc., are unlikely to pass inspection if CBP Officers cannot determine whether or not they contain beef. Sandwiches with beef products are also inadmissible.
Hunter harvested game is admissible from Canada for the traveler's personal use if accompanied with a permit.
Generally, poultry, pork, milk, butter, cured cheeses, and eggs are permitted entry. However, all such products must be in packages clearly marked with Canada (or the U.S.) as the country of origin. If there is any question as to the country of origin, the product could be denied entry.
CBP also advises travelers that pet food with meat by-products is not admissible.
CBP notice available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/alerts/beef_alert_canada.xml