SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — As the costs of eggs and poultry continue to rocket across the country, U.S. Customs and Border Protection says its San Diego field office has seen a significant increase in people trying to bring in raw eggs from Mexico.
According to a news release Thursday, CBP’s San Diego field office has seen a 158% increase in “egg interceptions” since fiscal year 2024.
Authorities are now warning people that raw eggs, along with certain other agricultural products from Mexico, are prohibited from entering the U.S.
The warning comes on the heels of a bird flu outbreak experienced by several areas across the country, including in San Diego County where a house cat reportedly died after contracting the virus.
According to CBP, there is a need for “heightened awareness to protect U.S. agriculture from potential disease risks.”
People crossing over the southern border are required to declare all agricultural products to CBP officers and agriculture specialists, the release adds. Personal food items are permissible.
Food intended for resale or distribution is also allowed but must be properly imported at a cargo facility.
Failure to declare a foreign product may result in up to $10,000 in fines, according to officials.
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