BootsnAll Travel Community

I just have a quick question and thought you guys were the most likely to know. A Canadian friend in Japan wants to send me a gift from Canada -- in it he's planning to put some beef jerky. Can you send Canadian beef into the US?

I don't know for absolutely sure but to help bump your thread I'll answer with what I think is the right answer.

If its beef jerky which has thus been cured, processed and packaged in airtight packaging then I think you should be fine. Mailing raw meat would be another issue, I believe. Besides that I don't know that anyone would really notice. I doubt any ag sniffing dogs will inspect your package and if they do they shouldn't cue off the jerky.

I'd go for it- jerky is too good to pass up.

Thanks. I forgot that I'd posted that and that the friend was supposed to have sent it. I wonder where that package is -- most likely on or under a table in Calgary. Funny thing is that I don't even eat meat -- must really love my wife, who does.

If and when it turns up, I'll let everyone know in case they're curious.

Based on what the bus driver said when I crossed the border on Friday, Canadian beef is unwelcome in the US. Apparently pork and chicken are ok, but beef is a no-no.

I would check with US Customs to confirm.

From the US Customs website.

Meats, Livestock, and Poultry
The regulations governing meat and meat products are very strict. You may not import fresh, dried, or canned meats or meat products from most foreign countries into the United States. Also, you may not import food products that have been prepared with meat.

The regulations on importing meat and meat products change frequently because they are based on disease outbreaks in different areas of the world. APHIS, which regulates meats and meat products as well as fruits and vegetables, invites you to contact them for more information on importing meats. You may write to USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services National Center for Import/Export (NCIE), 4700 River Road, Unit 40, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; or call (301) 734-7830.