Smuggling of Mexican eggs to the United States increases
The price of eggs has been soaring in the United States leading to higher numbers of people to attempt smuggling eggs and chickens across the border.
The rising price of eggs in the United States has push some to great lengths to acquire the food staple. Some Americans have tried buying them south of the border with the goal of lowering their grocery bills. However, it is illegal to bring raw eggs into the country.
According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), seizures of eggs at some US-Mexico border crossings have increased by more than 300%, reported Bloomberg .
Since 1 November, egg seizures increased 91% at the agency’s field office in El Paso, 301% in Laredo, 333% in Tucson and 368% in San Diego, in comparison with the same period of the previous year, according to Customs data up to 17 January.
Why does the price of eggs register an increase in the USA?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service, the ongoing outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) is the main reason for the increases in egg prices and poultry.
The USDA confirms that this outbreak has caused the loss of more than 57 million birds, primarily chickens and turkeys, in the United States alone. This is the deadliest bird flu outbreak on record, and while the current bird flu outbreak is believed to have initially been spread by wild birds, other previous outbreaks of this and other avian diseases have been linked to human movement of birds and avian products.
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The importation of eggs and other restricted items can result in fines
Customs and Border Protection notes that certain agricultural items, such as raw eggs and poultry from Mexico, are prohibited from entering the United States. Failing to declare these items may result in monetary penalties.
CBP encourages travelers to declare all agricultural items upon arrival to avoid fines. Travellers should not attempt to bring fruits, vegetables, or meats into the United States without first confirming that they are allowed. Raw eggs and poultry from Mexico are prohibited and will be confiscated at the port of entry.
On the website of the Office of Customs and Border Protection you can check the items and food that cannot enter the United States.