07.04.2011

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced new measures regarding the importation of poultry products and eggs into the country.

The changes come after the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced new requirements for processed poultry meat.

According to new requirements, processed poultry meat brought by passengers arriving from Mexico must be accompanied by government certification confirming that the meat was cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius, according to a CBP news release. The poultry items include all poultry meats, including deli items as well as hard-boiled eggs.

The changes come after USDA and APHIS changed the requirement for poultry products coming from countries where Exotic Newcastle Disease is said to exist. According to APHIS, Mexico is one of those countries. 

Poultry products without a USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services Import Permit will be seized or refused entry, according to CBP.

According to the agency, travelers are encouraged to declare all food items to CBP officers. Failure to declare prohibited agricultural items can result in civil penalties that can reach $1,000 for individuals and $250,000 for commercial importations.