A Redditor expressed his concern over his future in the US as he failed to declare a food item he was carrying with him. He was fined $300 for breaking the law but he asked fellow Redditors whether this penalty will have any negative impact on his visa status. The man said he was asked at US preclearance at Abu Dhabi Airport whether they were carrying any food items. They informed the CBP officers that they were carrying pickles, snacks and spice powders. On being asked more about pickles, they told the CBP officers that they were carrying fish and beef pickles. This led to a second inspection in which their bags were opened and checked. The officers found a packet of pork fry. They were fined $300 for not declaring it earlier. The man clarified that it was a genuine slip up and they were not hiding anything and thought pork fry comes under snacks. “After arriving in the US, we noticed they had discarded the beef pickle but not the fish pickle (store-bought and sealed). The beef and pork ones were homemade,” the man said expressing his concern whether he will now be considered a delinquent that would reflect on his visa or H-1B stamping. Social media users assured that it won’t become a problem as far as his stay or H-1B visa is concerned but it will remain in the CBP record and he will always get extra scrutiny.
A Redditor expressed concern whether his failure to declare pork fry in his luggage would have any negative impact on his US visa.
What food items to declare before entering the US
All food items — irrespective of what is allowed and what is not — have to be declared on US customs Declaration form or at the kiosk or questions during customs. This includes everything — packaged, cooked or sealed. Even souvenirs made with plant or animal materials like tea, dried herbs or shells.
What is allowed
- Commercially packaged, sealed, and labelled items
- Baked goods, candy, tea, coffee (without citrus or fruit peel)
- Dry spices (except those with seeds, like mustard or cardamom pods)
- Infant food or formula in sealed containers
What is not allowed
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (risk of pests)
- Raw or dried meat, sausages, jerky (unless USDA-approved)
- Foods containing beef, pork, poultry, or eggs from certain countries
- Homemade items with animal ingredients
