We are in our final week of a five week trip in France. We are thinking about taking a few things, like salt, herbs, cookies) home for small gifts but we are getting conflicting information about what we can bring in to the U.S. I checked the USDA site but the information I found was vague at best. Can anyone point me in the right direction for clear information?
Thanks!
Different government agencies have their fingers in this pudding, so surprise, surprise, the rules aren't always completely consistent. But as a traveler, because the main agency that will act as a gaterkeeper on what you can and can't bring back is US Customs, go with the information on their website.
In addition to the above info and link, based on previous/numerous experience, you will be fine with salt and cookies. Herbs, not sure, unless they are dried and sealed. My advice is the declare the items on your customs form and then let the customs agent decide if you need further screening.
A safe guideline is that anything processed and sealed probably is OK. A lot of unprocessed ag products have the potential to harbor bugs and pathogens so those are forbidden along with raw fruit. Why would you bring back salt?
Frank (above) asks "Why would you bring back salt?" I always bring back salt. Fleur de sel from France, salt/w/saffron from Spain and Maldon salt from England. Great for gifts and for myself.
