Christmas TurkeyBecause Canada has imposed an import ban on all poultry products from certain U.S. States.  On November 26, 2015, the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) posted a News Release entitled “Let’s talk turkey: know the restrictions on poultry products before crossing the border”.  In this News Release, the CBSA notifies Canadians, residents and travelers to Canada about the risks of avian influenza in certain parts of the United States.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has implemented import prohibitions/restrictions on poultry products from certain U.S. States.

All raw poultry and all poultry products and by-products (including meat and eggs and raw pet food) as well as other birds or bird products sold commercially that are not fully cooked coming from the following U.S. States (sourced, processed, or packaged) are prohibited from entry into Canada until further notice:

  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota

It is important to note that North Dakota and Minnesota are border States with Canada.  This means cross border shoppers should be mindful of the restrictions.  The CBSA will also stop the importation of poultry if the packaging does not indicate the State of origin (e.g., the Thanksgiving turkey leftovers for California return to Canada via North Dakota).

Examples of restricted items include:

  • live birds and hatching eggs
  • eggs, yolks, egg whites (albumen)
  • poultry meat (other than fully cooked, canned, commercially sterile meat products)
  • raw pet foods containing poultry products
  • feathers
  • poultry manure and litter
  • laboratory material containing poultry products/by-products

Canadians who order these goods online for delivery to Canada may find that they pay for goods that are seized at the border and destroyed.

Canadians with NEXUS membership should be particularly careful because the CBSA may confiscate a NEXUS pass.