A South African lost more than R37 000 worth of biltong after customs officers seized it at the Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport in the USA.
According to a statement from the US Department of Customs and Border Protection (CPB), the man had more than 37 kg of biltong in his luggage.
Upon arrival, the passenger informed the customs officer that he wanted to declare beef biltong in his luggage.
CBP agricultural specialists took x-rays of the passenger’s five bags prompting them to investigate further. The man’s bags were searched and 37.6 kg of prepared and dried meat was found in them.
“The passenger requested the customs officials not to confiscate the meat (biltong) as it cost more than $2 000 (more than R37 000). CBP informed him that any cooked or dried beef from South Africa is restricted due to animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, and that it will be seized and destroyed.”
According to the CBP, the most common items seized are pork and beef sausage, plants, plant material and seeds for plants and fruits.
“During certain holidays and seasons there is a significant increase in beef and pork, and we work closely with the traveling public to inform them of certain products that cannot enter the country due to animal diseases,” says Lauren Lewis, agricultural specialist with CBP.
LaFonda Sutton-Burke, director of field operations, says CBP agricultural specialists in Minnesota (where Minneapolis is located) are strongly focused on preventing prohibited items from entering the US.
“This seizure is proof of that.”
CBP recommends that people who wish to import plant, animal material and other agricultural items consult the CBP Information Center on the CBP website.
“Additionally, when traveling to the US, travelers should always declare all foreign-acquired items to CBP officers to avoid civil or criminal charges and reduce the risk of introducing pests and diseases into the US. “
