Taking dried food into another country through customs

I'm due to visit Canada to see an old friend who used to live in the UK. He wants me to take a favourite snack (Pot Noodle (really!)) for him.

Is this likely to be a problem taking it through customs and would I need to declare it?

I know there are restrictions on imports of foods, but everything I've read relates to risk of disease or pests, which I don't really see applying to a dried noodle snack!

Best Answer

This is the form we all fill out when entering Canada: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/e311-eng.pdf

Here's a closeup of the food-related question:

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That says:

Meat/meat products; dairy products; fruits; vegetables; seeds; nuts; plants and animals or their parts/products; cut flowers; soil; wood/wood products; birds; insects.

I've argued before that taken too literally this would require you to declare paper, wooden pencils and so on. I think, though, that noodles are going to be ok. There are phone numbers on the CBSA page that might help you if you need more confidence.

Also, just because you say yes doesn't mean anything bad will happen. When I came back from a Caribbean visit I had a conch shell. I had checked online and you're allowed one as long as you were the one who pulled it from the ocean. Since my husband had indeed done so (and I had a picture of that) I brought it back and declared it, and said yes to the animal parts question. The officer asked "what food?" in that bored customs-officer voice and I said "we have some seashells from the beach and a conch shell." He wrote SEASHELLS OK on my form next to that question and off we went.

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Can you take food to another country?

What Food Is Typically Okay. If the food items are snacks that are commercially packaged and remain closed, it is generally fine to bring across borders. Bags of chips, nuts, candy, and similar foods that are not quickly perishable are acceptable. Beef jerky and other meat products are not always allowed.

Can you take food into customs?

Food Products (Raw and Prepared) As a general rule, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible. Because rice can often harbor insects, it is best to avoid bringing it into the United States.

Can I bring dried food to USA?

Dried. Most dried fruits and vegetables are not allowed into the United States without meeting special requirements to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.

Can you pass food through the border?

You may be able to bring in food such as fruits, meats or other agricultural products depending on the region or country from which you are traveling. You must declare all food products. Failure to declare food products can result in up to $10,000 in fines and penalties.

How Illegal Items Are Found And Destroyed At JFK Airport

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