USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is asking summer travelers to join in the fight against invasive pests. Invasive pests can hitchhike on fruits, vegetables, meats, processed foods, plants and handicraft items – and APHIS says these pests could devastate urban and rural landscapes and cost billions of dollars in lost revenue and eradication efforts if they were to become established in the U.S. This is why APHIS restricts or prohibits the entry of certain agricultural products from foreign countries, Hawaii and U.S. territories.

Travelers can play an important role by not packing a pest. APHIS reminds travelers that baggage will be inspected to ensure the agricultural items carried are allowable under APHIS regulations. It is important to declare all agricultural items to Customs and Border Protection Officers or agriculture specialists at the first port of entry. Certain items in categories such as condiments, bakery items, candy, chocolate, canned goods, goods in vacuum packed jars and fish are generally allowed entry – but should be declared and presented for inspection.

Before traveling – APHIS encourages travelers to check restrictions pertaining to ag products and to use them as guidelines when purchasing souvenirs. Information related to importing agricultural items for personal use is available online at www dot aphis dot usda dot gov slash travel (www.aphis.usda.gov/travel).