Top Indian Food Items Allowed in the USA – A Handy Guide

Planning a trip to the USA and thinking of taking along your favourite snacks from India? Whether it’s the aromatic spices, homemade pickles, or those beloved Indian sweets, carrying a taste of home can improve your travel experience. However, before you pack your bag of treats, you must know what food items you can and cannot carry. The USA has strict regulations regarding food imports and many travellers get caught out at customs. 

Why are There Restrictions on Food Items?

You might wonder why the USA has so many rules about bringing food into the country. It all comes down to safety and biosecurity. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforce these rules to prevent the introduction of harmful pests, diseases, and invasive species that could damage local agriculture and ecosystems. Understanding the list of prohibited food items in the USA will help you avoid fines, delays, or even confiscation of your food at the airport.

Know What You Can and Cannot Carry

The first and most important step is to familiarise yourself with the list of prohibited food items to the USA. Here are some common items that are not allowed:

• Bringing fresh produce like mangoes, guavas, or leafy greens is strictly prohibited, as these can carry pests and diseases.
• Milk, cheese, yoghurt, and other dairy products are usually not allowed unless they are commercially packed and labelled properly.
• Even home-cooked meat dishes are restricted due to concerns about foot-and-mouth disease.
• You'll need special permits if you plan to carry seeds, plants, or plant cuttings. They are typically not allowed as they can carry invasive pests.

It’s always a good idea to double-check the CBP’s official website before your travel to get the most updated list of prohibited food items.

Pack These Indian Food Items Instead

Now, let’s move on to the good news! There are still plenty of Indian food items you can carry without any issues as long as they are packed correctly and comply with regulations. Here are some popular options:

• Want to whip up some curry while abroad? Dry spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, garam masala, and chilli powder are generally safe to carry. Just make sure they are in sealed, labelled containers.
• MTR and Haldiram offer ready-to-eat meals and instant dosa, idli, or poha mixes. These are typically allowed as long as they don’t contain any prohibited ingredients like meat.
• Packaged sweets like soan papdi, kaju katli, and dry ladoos are usually permitted. Similarly, savoury snacks like namkeen, bhujia, and murukku can be carried without hassle if they are commercially packed and labelled.

How to Pack Food Items Properly?

Proper packaging is key when carrying food items from India to the USA. Follow these simple tips:

• It’s best to carry food in its original, unopened packaging. Homemade items are often examined more heavily, so stick to commercially sealed products whenever possible.
• Ensure the packaging clearly states the contents. This will help customs officers identify what you’re carrying and reduce the chance of your food being confiscated.
• Remember that the USA has rules for carrying liquids, including sauces, chutneys, and pickles. If you want to carry these, pack them in small quantities (less than 100 ml) and place them in your checked luggage.

Declare All Food Items at Customs

This is a crucial step! You must declare all food items on your customs form, even carrying permitted items. Many travellers make the mistake of not declaring food, thinking it will speed up the process. However, undeclared items are more likely to be confiscated, and you could face fines or penalties.

• Don’t hide any food items. The customs officers are not there to give you a hard time; they just want to ensure safety. Declaring your items shows transparency and can often lead to a quick check and approval.
• If you declare food, prepare for a possible inspection. Pack your food items so that they are easy to access and display.

What to Do If Your Food Items are Confiscated?

If some of your food items are taken away at customs, don’t panic. It happens to many travellers, even those who are well-prepared. Simply follow the officer’s instructions and remember these rules are in place for everyone’s safety.

• Don't hesitate to ask politely if you’re unsure why a particular item was confiscated. It can help you avoid making the same mistake on your next trip.
• Arguing with customs officers can make the situation worse. It’s better to cooperate and move on quickly.

Also read: Destinations to Visit in the USA.

Final Thoughts

Travelling from India to the USA with a little taste of home is possible, as long as you follow the guidelines and avoid the list of prohibited food items to the USA. With some planning and careful packing, you can enjoy your favourite Indian treats without trouble at customs. So, next time you’re flying across the globe, you can look forward to enjoying that familiar flavour no matter where you are.

Before you pack your bags with stylish clothes and food, don’t forget to opt for travel insurance for USA trip from leading companies like Niva Bupa, which can instantly put you at ease in any emergency. To know more, visit our website today.