Canadian food restrictions

[American Flyer]

Hello. I have been scouring the Canadian government web sites, YouTube, Tug Nuts posts, and a general internet search but cannot seem to find a definitive answer. Please let me know if you have one and the reference for it.

Can we bring cooked beef and smoked fish across the Canadian border on our boat from Washington to B.C.? (Bedwell Harbour)

The steaks will be purchased in Washington then cooked at home and placed in containers. It will not have any labels.
The salmon will be purchased in Washington then smoked at home and vacuum packed. It will not have any label.

I think the fish is ok, but I am not sure at all about the beef.

Thanks, A.F.

 

[dexmot74]

Meats that are cooked and shelf-stable are allowed BUT with unlabeled non commercial packages you are always at risk of it being tossed. Depends on the customs person and their mood :lol:

https://inspection.canada.ca/food-safet ... 82362#tab1

According to that it has to have a identifying packaging.

 

[American Flyer]

Meats that are cooked and shelf-stable are allowed BUT with unlabeled non commercial packages you are always at risk of it being tossed. Depends on the customs person and their mood :lol:

https://inspection.canada.ca/food-safet ... 82362#tab1

According to that it has to have a identifying packaging.

Yes, I have been studying that one. Does that only refer to “fresh” meat that is frozen or chilled? Using proper English that is the meaning according to the placement of the comma. But are they using proper English? Or do they mean meat that is fresh OR frozen or chilled? The meat will not be fresh or frozen but probably will be in the fridge. Not real clear, so, 20 kg.? But no packaging or proof of origin, so? Or is there a different rule for processed (cooked) meat?

 

[bluestreak]

It is probably safer to not bring anything you are in doubt of being allowed in and buy what you need when you land in Canada,
Customs can be funny sometimes!

 

[dbsea]

Bring basically nothing and buy there. Unless of course, you have NEXUS, then you can maybe take some chances (I still don't).

 

[SJI Sailor]

On our crossings, the CA agents have always specifically inquired about meat, to my recollection. So I would agree it's fairly likely to turn into losing the items or some other hassle ("wait here while we have a look around" or "divert to this other station for an inspection"). I would not take it.

BTW the alcohol limits are serious, too, but you can declare "..
and X partially consumed open bottles". They only care about unopened bottles (limit 2, basically). Also serious about fresh fruits and vegetables as they state.

As with US CBP we always declare very completely and precisely because (a) it shows we are aware and are trying to comply and (b) they could possibly revoke Nexus, Global Entry, etc., for significant (in their eyes) noncompliance.

FWIW the one time we have had any complication was when we had purchased some first people's artwork in Canada and declared it to the US on land crossing reentry. It took a while for the agents to figure out that it was ok (and I guess not a historical treasure or something).

 

[American Flyer]

Thanks for the real world advice. I guess the appetizer menu will have to change!