Feb. 27 (UPI) — Bringing raw eggs from Mexico into the United States could trigger fines for travelers and endanger agriculture, Customs and Border Protection officials said Thursday.
The CBP’s San Diego Field Office has reported a 158% increase in interceptions of raw eggs illegally brought from Mexico into the United States since the 2024 fiscal year, according to a CBP news release.
The unlawful transportation of Mexican eggs into the United States could endanger U.S. agriculture, increase diseases risks and trigger fines for any offenders.
“It is critical that we keep our traveling public informed to safeguard out agricultural industry while continuing to facilitate legitimate trade and travel,” said Sidney Aki, CBP director of field operations in San Diego.
Egg prices have skyrocketed amid the bird flu that has decimated egg-laying populations and forced the deaths of entire flocks in many of the nation’s largest egg-producing states.
Current wholesale prices for eggs range from about $8 to more than $9 per dozen for large white eggs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The bird flu outbreak is the worst on record and could be made worse by illegally transporting raw egg from Mexico into the United States.
The CBP says travelers must declare all agricultural products when entering the United States and could be fined up to $10,000 if they don’t.
Travelers are barred from bringing fresh eggs, raw chicken and live birds from Mexico into the United States.
The CBP website lists agricultural products that travelers can bring into the nation.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Wednesday announced a five-point plan to combat the bird flu and lower the high price of eggs in the United States.
The plan calls for a $1 billion federal investment to counteract the bird flu and stabilize egg prices with the goal of lowering the cost within six months.
The bird flu outbreak began in 2022 and has resulted in the deaths of an estimated 166 million chickens, many of which were intentionally killed.
The bird flu also has infected nearly 70 people and about 1,000 dairy herds and has claimed at least one person’s life.
