Coming back into the US-food issues?

I our weekly crossing not he US, the questions are always about citrus products, fresh vegetables and firewood.

One time last summer my wife was given some fresh cut flowers at an evening with her friends. When we crossed into the US, I told the agent what we had and I went to grab them from the backseat of my Jeep. He quickly put his hand up, laughed and said "no don't show me and I won't have to take them", we laughed and were on our way.

There are websites that will tell you what can be brought in. It's a bit difficult at times to wade through the sources, but you can eventually find it. We make a list of all foods and give it to the border folks if asked. I was surprised to find that unpeeled potatoes were on the prohibited list. I had to eat an apple once, and other fruits may be on the list. Beef was a prohibited item a few years back due to Mad Cow possibilities, but that prohibition was lifted. However, the list changes, so don't go by what was ok last year. We buy a lot of British-type foods in Canada that you can't get in the US - sausages in particular. If you are getting meat products, be sure they ingredients are included in the packaging. USDA usually is a good start for information.

GM

I usually have picnic type foods when I cross the border (in AK, WA, MT, ND and Canada-YT, MB, AB,BC) and have never had a problem in either direction. I just rattle off whatever I have at the time and the border person doesn't seem to care. I have had salami, cheese, grapes, crackers and carrots that I can think of, off hand.

We were asked about citrus when returning from Atlantic Canada last year, turned in our one illicit lime and were on our way. Might be different out west.

Broccoli was allowed in, though.