Community Forums

capnqball · 05-29-2015, 06:38 PM

Has anyone crossed into Canada with meat, frozen or otherwise, packaged or bulk (ala Costco)? Talked to the Canadian authorities, only confused us more.

wingnut60 · 05-29-2015, 06:43 PM

We have crossed several times--going in we were aware that fresh stuff wouldn't fly, so no fruits or vegetables. As to meat, we have always had steaks and such but kept them in the original packaging--but never been checked. If it doesn't have a commercial label on it, and you are checked, probably going to lose it. Other items that get their attention is FIRE--FIREarms, FIREwater, FIREwood.
Joe

dennis45 · 05-29-2015, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capnqball

Has anyone crossed into Canada with meat, frozen or otherwise, packaged or bulk (ala Costco)? Talked to the Canadian authorities, only confused us more.

Chicken or any poultry product is a definite no no but not sure about beef. Going either way, U.S. Or Canada, we do not take any meat as the rules tend to change on a regular basis. Costco sells meat in Canada too.......

R2Home · 05-29-2015, 06:58 PM

On our recent trip to the 'lower 48', we had several packs of caribou, moose and bison that we took with us. Customs never asked about meat products and I did not offer any information. Chicken is another story, so I would not even attempt to bring it through.

docj · 05-29-2015, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennis45

Chicken or any poultry product is a definite no no but not sure about beef. Going either way, U.S. Or Canada, we do not take any meat as the rules tend to change on a regular basis. Costco sells meat in Canada too.......

Poultry and eggs are currently an issue because of a special avian flu alert, but normally no one asks about what we have in the fridge or freezer. We never trash things except white potatoes and, now, poultry and eggs.

Yes, things are supposed to have store labels and/or proof of origin info, but we've been back and forth across the border many times in the last four years (most recently today) and no one ever asks about this. When we crossed into Canada last week pretty much the entire time was taken up with questions about whether we were carrying guns (we weren't) and alcoholic beverages (we were).

Here's the official info on what you can carry into Canada: What Can I Bring Into Canada in Terms Of Food, Plant, Animal and Related Products? - Food - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

capnqball · 05-29-2015, 07:02 PM

Yes, we have decided to forego bringing beef, pork, etc. with us. We are curious as to bring canned meat, particularly canned chicken from Costco. DW bought a 6 pack of the chicken intent on bringing, but we're now questioning that.

docj · 05-29-2015, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capnqball

Yes, we have decided to forego bringing beef, pork, etc. with us. We are curious as to bring canned meat, particularly canned chicken from Costco. DW bought a 6 pack of the chicken intent on bringing, but we're now questioning that.

Read the rules; even with the poultry restrictions you should still be able to take your canned chicken and every other canned meat you want. Restriction on imports from US States affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) - Animals - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

I can't believe the number of people on these forums who assume they can't take anything across without actually reading the Canadian and US websites.

G.G. · 05-29-2015, 07:46 PM

When we crossed, they asked a couple of benign questions, and we were on our way. We didn't worry about what we had food wise.

capnqball · 05-29-2015, 10:31 PM

Thanks folks for the great replies. We had overlooked the link on the avian disease and that explained most all. Now is much clearer on what's allowed and not.

capnqball · 06-06-2015, 09:04 PM

As a followup, we went thru Customs at Sumas last week (Mon) and sailed thru. Nary a question about any foods whatsoever. My DW and I both had to laugh when we pulled away from the gates. You just never know what will happen. He was most concerned about any guns (none) and if we had enough money with us, that was it. Happy travels.

algolfer · 06-06-2015, 09:14 PM

We crossed through Osoyoos 2 days ago. Typical questions, how long since you have been to Canada, how long will you be staying, any large amounts of money, any weapons or personal protection devices such as bear spray, any poultry, any hard liquor. We were on our way within 2 - 3 minutes.

normandlegra · 06-06-2015, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G.G.

When we crossed, they asked a couple of benign questions, and we were on our way. We didn't worry about what we had food wise.

I just wished that you guys from the States needed a passport just like we need one to cross over to your country !

That would be "the free trade" for sure !

1ciderdog · 06-07-2015, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by normandlegra

I just wished that you guys from the States needed a passport just like we need one to cross over to your country !

That would be "the free trade" for sure !

Laws have changed a bit and US Citizens do need documentation such as a passport or nexus card. Canada: Crossing the Border - TripAdvisor
A lot different from when I was crossing in the late 1960's.