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Travelers are often surprised when told that their "one little piece of fruit or meat" can cause serious damage. In fact, one item carelessly discarded can wreak havoc on American crops. For example, it's quite likely that a traveler carried in the wormy fruit that brought Mediterranean fruit flies to California in 1979. The 3-year fight to eradicate this pest cost more than $100 million. Subsequent infestations in California and Florida have cost even more to eradicate.
A single link of sausage contaminated with the dreaded virus that causes foot-and-mouth disease could do similar damage to the livestock business. Foot-and-mouth disease last struck the United States in 1929. Economists say that an outbreak today would cost farmers and consumers billions of dollars in lost production, higher food prices, and lost export markets.
Even when you believe that the item you are buying is safe, exercise caution and common sense. When you are thinking about buying agricultural souvenirs, remind yourself of the old saying, "let the buyer beware." Duty Free shops do not have any special authorization, clearance, or certification with USDA allowing them to sell prohibited products. Even if signs and displays say "USDA Approved," be skeptical. Please stick to items on the lists of approved products in this booklet, and always tell USDA or Customs Service inspectors everything you have that is an agricultural product.
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