CBP issued a media release yesterday reminding travelers that mandarin oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit and pomelo are banned from non-commercial import into the US.

During the holiday season, CBP notices an uptick of travelers bringing in ‘Christmas Oranges” (mandarin oranges). The main reason for banning the importation of citrus fruits is because the fruits may be infected with highly contagious diseases such as citrus canker, sweet orange scab, and citrus black spot. These diseases can easily be transferred through coming into contact with infected fruit or by people carrying the infection on their hands, clothing or equipment.

Fortunately these diseases are not harmful to humans, but they do result in production declines, leading to loss of income for growers and costly quarantines.

Also, don’t forget to declare all fruits, vegetables, plants, meats, processed animal products (soup mixes and pet food), pets, wood products (including firewood) to CBP at your port of entry. Failure to declare could result in fines of up to $1,000.00.

Travel safe everyone.