Reminder: Prepare Before Your Departure. Don’t Carry Prohibited Plant and Animal Products into the Continental United States

Print

While many prepare to visit loved ones on the Continental United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reminding the public that all food and/or agricultural products must be inspected at airports and other ports of entry.

USDA prohibits or restricts the movement of some agricultural products from Puerto Rico into the Continental United States. These include fruits, vegetables, pork and/or propagative material (plants).

These items could harbor a dangerous stowaway—an invasive pest or disease. Just one piece of fruit or a single plant carrying an invasive pest or disease could lead to millions of dollars in damage to U.S. agriculture and the environment, expensive eradication efforts, lost trade revenue, and higher food prices.

African swine fever is an example of one of these diseases. After African swine fever was detected in the Dominican Republic in 2021, USDA increased its efforts to look for and prevent the disease from reaching Puerto Rico and the continental United States. The disease spreads easily through live pigs, pork and pork products, and on equipment and clothing, and would devastate America’s swine, pork industry, and food supply if it reached the United States. 

It’s important to be aware of allowed and/or prohibited agricultural items when traveling to the Continental United States. Prohibited products will be seized and will not be returned.  Failure to declare these items can result in delays and possible issuance of civil penalties ranging from $100 to $1,000 per violation.  Thank you for doing your part to keep U.S. animals and our food supply safe! 

Visit the USDA website for a list of allowed and/or prohibited products. 

Contact your local USDA office for the most up-to-date information:

USDA Offices (for travelers from Puerto Rico to Continental United States)

  • Carolina (SJU Airport): (787) 710-7282
  • Aguadilla (BQN Airport): (787) 931–7900
  • Ponce (PSE Airport): (787) 709-4957
  • Aguada: (787) 986-7240
  • San Juan: (787) 919-0585