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

Some Indian foods can be taken to the United States; however, there are some foods that are prohibited based on the agricultural policies of the US. You have to check for the updated rules regarding the foods, pack your food properly, and declare all of the food items when passing through US customs to prevent any problems.

If you travel to the USA from India, it will be difficult for you to enjoy the taste of home-cooked Indian food. You might decide to take along your favourite food items. But keep in mind that there are restrictions on certain types of foods allowed by US customs. It depends on the ingredients, packaging and kind of food item you carry along with you.

What kind of Indian food is permissible to bring to the USA? Here you will find out the list of permitted Indian food items in the USA, prohibited food, packing tips, and custom regulations.

Why Are There Restrictions on Food Items?

There are very stringent regulations governing the importation of food products into the country, owing to the need to safeguard the country’s agricultural industry, animals, and the population at large. There is a risk that some food products could harbor disease-causing micro-organisms. This is the reason why there are restrictions on some foods. 

Knowing the list of prohibited food items in the USA will be highly beneficial for you, as there is always a chance of fines or confiscation of 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 in the USA:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Some kinds of meat and meat products

• Some poultry and egg products

• Some dairy products

• Seeds and plants

• Food containing prohibited animal and plant products

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

There are a lot of other Indian food items that you may pack without much hassle, provided you have done so in the correct manner and as per regulations. These include the following:

If you wish to prepare curry during your stay abroad, there is no problem carrying the dry spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, garam masala, and chili powder. But make sure that they are packed in properly labelled and sealed packets.

The Indian ready-to-eat packaged meals by brands MTR and Haldiram, as well as packaged instant dosa, idli, or poha, are allowed, provided they do not contain any prohibited substances such as meat.

Packaged sweets like soan papdi, kaju katli, and dry ladoos can also be carried without any problem. The same goes for the packaged namkeens, bhujias, and murukkus as they are allowed if packed properly.

How to Pack Food Items Properly?

The best way is to travel with food in the original, closed packaging. Home-made foods are scrutinised more rigorously; hence, try sticking to commercially packaged foods whenever possible.

Make sure that the packaging gives a clear description of the contents. This helps the authorities at customs to recognise the foods you have brought and avoid confiscation.

It is important to remember that the US has regulations on the carriage of liquids such as sauces, chutneys, and pickles. If you wish to bring any of these, then they should be packed in small quantities of less than 100ml and in commercially sealed containers.

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.

Declare All Food Items at Customs

This is a crucial step! You must declare all food items on your customs form, even when carrying permitted items. One of the common mistakes that many travellers make is not declaring their food thinking that it will reduce the processing period. But this may cause their food to be seized. And they might even incur a penalty for that.

• Do not conceal any of your food. The customs agents do not mean to hassle you; they just want to ensure your safety. It is better to declare them because they might approve them quickly.

• 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 products are detained by customs, don’t get flustered. It occurs quite often even with travellers who are prepared. Just follow the officer’s instructions and bear in mind that these rules exist for everybody’s safety.

Do not feel shy to ask about it in case you do not understand why your particular item was confiscated. It will be helpful for your future trips. You should never argue with customs officers; it may only worsen the situation.

Final Thoughts

Travelling from India to the US with a bit of nostalgia is possible, provided you comply with all the instructions and keep away from the list of foods not allowed to be imported into the USA. You can have your favourite Indian snacks without any problems on arrival at customs. Thus, the next time you travel around the world, you will have something familiar to munch on.

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. 

FAQ’s

1. What is the list of prohibited food items to USA from India?

People coming into the country from India need to be careful about carrying fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, specific dairy and egg products, seeds, plants, and soils since such products may be restricted or prohibited depending on agricultural and disease control regulations.

But there are variations in regulations depending on types of food and their packaging or composition. Any food or agricultural products have to be declared at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, even when there is doubt about their legality. When an inspector refuses an item, declaring the product usually exempts you from any possible penalties.

2. Do I need to declare food items at U.S. Customs?

Yes. Declaration of food items is necessary. Even if you are carrying just a small amount of spices, packaged foods, or tea, you should declare them at U.S. Customs. This enables the customs agents to make sure that you are not carrying any prohibited food items to the US. If you do not declare the food items that you are carrying, you will end up paying a fine or having the item confiscated.

3. What Indian food items can I safely carry to the USA?

It is usually possible to bring commercially packaged and shelf-stable Indian foods like packaged biscuits, confectioneries that don't contain any ingredients that are not allowed for import, roasted nuts, dried fruits, rice, flour, packaged snacks, and most dried spices.

However, whether you can bring the food depends on its composition and preparation/packaging. Make sure you declare all food and agricultural products you bring into the USA. They should preferably be in their original packaging. The last word on the matter will be said by the U.S. agricultural inspector at the port of entry.