I learned the hard way that purchasing wild boar dried meats aren't allowed in the U S, matter of fact, it's a $300 fine if you are caught bringing it in. Just back Thursday, the sales person in Montepulciano stated that if it was in a vacuum sealed bags it is no problem. 45 euros of meat thrown in the garbage in Charlotte, broke my heart. Just a word to the wise. There's a government website that slips my mind, but the information is out there. Suggestion, eat all you can while you are there and with a nice bold red wine.
Posted by
Norfolk, USA
255 posts
Did you not declare it and get fined $300? We bought some on our October 08 trip. However, I had declared it so all they did was confiscate it in Philly.....no fine.
Yeah, we were pretty disappointed that we could not bring it in especially since I am not usually very adventurous with some types of meat but really fell in love with the boar meat while we were there.
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
Ive been looking for a long time on the US Customs website for what is/isnt specifically allowed - it says "most" or "some" dried meet products but I could never find specifics. So I dont bring any over too much risk - now you will be "in the book" :) I stick to aged cheese and chocolate now. I wondered if canned counts (like cooked) pate etc.
But there are so many importers that have great stuff - albeit at a premium. But still cheaper than 300!
Posted by
OP
New Bern, NC, US
9 posts
I was not fined. I declared it, like a dummy, and watch it get tossed. I found out about the fine as the customs agent was searching my bags, all the while talking about hoof and mouth. My assumption was if I consumed it was not a problem. I ate the same meats all over Tuscany. My learning the hard way was watching it get thrown away.