We really don't like any brand of US hot dogs and really miss our Schneider's Red Hots when we are away from Canada.Can we bring processed meats like hot dogs and bacon into the US? I was thinking of freezing several packages.Mu husband lives in the US full time while I only spend winter there and he is always asking me if I have found a way to ship some to him, too.

No one here will have an official answer for you.I've never had my freezer checked going through the border. Only a few times they've asked about produce. If not asked directly, don't volunteer.Honestly, if they do search your freezer, and for some reason take offense to packages of hot dogs, they're just going to make you throw them out or eat them first.What's the worry? Hot dogs aren't going to land you in jail or earn you a huge ticket.

It won't land you in jail, but you could spend significant time waiting in line to be inspected. We had some home grown green beans we brought back from Bowen Island, that the US Customs wanted to see. We waited in line for about 30 minutes, then an inspector carefully examined our entire vehicle while we waited inside the office. Then a few more questions, and we had spent nearly an hour in all. The green beans were OK after they were examined under a microscope.The day before, I got on the US Customs website to check on green beans, that seemed to be OK to me to bring into the US. I asked the agent about it and she said that the requirements change daily, and it is hard for even them to keep current.

Here's a link to the US Customs and Border Protection website dealing with importing food.US C&BP LinkGood luck.

If the border check says no you out a few bucks of hot dogs - no big deal. Better "dogs" are usually sold in specialty stores or farmers markets in the USA - s/b easy to find with Google. Std hot dogs in USA major grocery stores have the same ingredients as your favorite Canadian dog - pork, Water, Modified Corn Starch, Modified Milk Ingredients, Salt, Potassium, Lactate, Sodium Erythorbate, SodiuDiacetate, Sodium Nitrate, Spice, Wheat, Flour, Garlic Powder, Smoke etc.

Fruits and vegetables into Calif can be a concern. They may ask to look in your refer if you have them. If you do, please be honest because the Calif ag industry is huge and could really be harmed.Now for the hot dog. If you get in the Northern Calif are and can find Miller Hot Dogs give them a try. They are made near Stockton Calif. We cannot get them in Florida and I have had them shipped here. This Summer we brought back about thirty pounds of them. Gallo Salami is the best too and we brought back a bunch of that.

Hot dog! It's time to leave for Cali, but "hot dogs" ok?

BizmarksMom
Explorer
Dec 01, 2016
The only thing I have consistently been asked about when coming from Canada into the US was "do you have any meat."

Even at the Sweetgrass crossing where the agent was napping when I pulled up.

So, I would be wary of bringing a lot of sausages or hot dogs across. Here in the States, look for Hebrew National hot dogs. They really are good.
Pangaea_Ron
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
These are the hot dogs and sausages that are absolutely the Best. . . of all the rest, in the West.

Hill Meat Company Link
road2002runner
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
what he said
bcsdguy
Explorer
Nov 18, 2016
Buy Hebrew National. Best hot dogs in the U.S.
GordonThree
Explorer
Nov 18, 2016
Lots of anecdotal feedback on produce, but the OP's question was regarding processed "meat". Pig's anus and pink slime - threat or treat?
coachellacanuck
Explorer
Nov 18, 2016
I think Canadians should be very respectful of restrictions intended to protect the US, especially California ag industry. Particularly if California, Oregon and Washington state secede and join Canada!
Pangaea_Ron
Explorer
Nov 18, 2016
I have a friend that was a US C&BP agent. I asked him what his best bust was, expecting drawn guns and drugs, but he said that his most significant bust was locating a false compartment in a semi-trailer that contained grape vines contaminated with a blight that were being transported from Canada. They could have wiped out the wine industry in California.
coachellacanuck
Explorer
Nov 18, 2016
Thanks to all. I think we will just do without Schneiders Red Hots for 6 months. Not worth the hassle! But again thanks to all who responded.
fpoole
Explorer
Nov 18, 2016
I got "Questioned" on bring 'Meat' into US from Canada crossing...
I said no, thinking of Steaks or stuff like that, never thought of "Hot Dogs" as meat, Oscar Meyer's. but he started in on me on that.... nothing happened other than a lecture that "You should know what's in your cooler..."

Yah, right, and "Hot Dogs"... I don't consider them "meat".. heheh but what to do I know...
So they could be a little sensitive on that..
Good luck..

Crossing at the Osoyoos crossing..
YC_1
Nomad
Nov 18, 2016
Fruits and vegetables into Calif can be a concern. They may ask to look in your refer if you have them. If you do, please be honest because the Calif ag industry is huge and could really be harmed.

Now for the hot dog. If you get in the Northern Calif are and can find Miller Hot Dogs give them a try. They are made near Stockton Calif. We cannot get them in Florida and I have had them shipped here. This Summer we brought back about thirty pounds of them. Gallo Salami is the best too and we brought back a bunch of that.