Nigeria is quite popular for its high migration level of persons moving out of the country for one reason or the other. There is however the general concern for most people who travel often when it comes to what they can take along with them on their trips abroad. One category that usually is the bone of contention is food items.
Many Nigerians make it a habit to take food items while embarking on their journey outside of the country. There are many reasons for this upward trend. Some people like to take food with them so they can still have their favorite delicacies even while not in the country.
There is also the issue of cost, as most local Nigerian foodstuffs are a lot more expensive in foreign countries. To cut down on expenses, some Nigerians will prefer to carry some raw foodstuff with them while traveling. Nigerians also take food along with them for business purposes. They sell these food items to other Nigerians residing in foreign countries for profits.
Other times too, food items are taken as a form of gift to relatives and friends living abroad. For whatever reason, moving foodstuff from Nigeria to another country usually comes under stringent scrutiny.
Consequently, this article is a comprehensive guide on prohibited Nigerian foods that will not be allowed into the US from Nigeria.
Official CBP Guidelines
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has a comprehensive guide on the kinds of food items that are not permitted through the American border. This guideline is not an all-exclusive rule book as it may also be subject to discretion by US Customs’ agents.
CBP works in close conjunction with about 40 other agencies to enforce laws regarding the transportation of food items into the US. These include the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These agencies are charged with the responsibility of making sure certain unsafe items do not make it into the US.
So before you embark on your trip from Nigeria, you should have a chat with a CBP agent to know what is allowed and what is not.
Keep in mind that if you are found with undeclared food items while on US soil, you may be slapped with a fine of $10,000.
Food Items Prohibited by the CBP
Below is an excerpt of the list of food items not allowed into the US as published by CBP:
1. Food Products (Raw and Prepared)
You may bring bakery items and certain cheeses into the United States. The APHIS Web site features a Travelers Tips section and Game and Hunting Trophies section that offers extensive information about bringing food and other products into the U.S.
Many prepared foods are admissible. However, bush meat made from African wildlife and almost anything containing meat products, such as bouillon, soup mixes, etc., is not admissible. 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. Some imported foods are also subject to requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
2. Fruits and Vegetables
Bringing fruits and vegetables depends on a number of factors. For instance, consider the apple you bought in the foreign airport just before boarding and then did not eat.
Whether or not CBP will allow the apple into the United States depends on where you got it and where you are going after you arrive in the United States. The same would be true for Mediterranean tomatoes. Such factors are important because fresh fruits and vegetables can introduce plant pests or diseases into the United States.
One good example of problems imported fruits and vegetables can cause is the Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak during the 1980s. The outbreak cost the state of California and the federal government approximately $100 million to get rid of this pest.
The cause of the outbreak was one traveler who brought home one contaminated piece of fruit. It is best not to bring fresh fruits or vegetables into the United States. However, if you plan to, contact either CBP or check the Permits section on the USDA-APHIS Web site for a general approved list on items that need a permit.
Note: The civil penalty for failing to declare agricultural items at U.S. ports of entry will cost first time offenders $300. The penalty for the second violation goes up to $500. To avoid receiving a penalty all agricultural items and present them to Customs and Border Protection for inspection so that an agriculture specialist can determine if it is admissible.
3. Alcoholic Beverages
In addition to U.S. laws, the laws of the state in which you first arrive in the United States will govern the amount of alcohol you may bring with you, and whether you need a license.
If you plan to bring alcoholic beverages with you, before you depart, you should contact the state’s applicable alcoholic beverage control board to determine what you need to do to comply with that state’s laws and regulations.
Abbey Johnson has a Masters degree as an engineer and has over 3 years of teaching and research experience. He is happiest when on a bike and is also interested in electric energy and computer Science.