I received a box of gifts from Japan recently. Inside the box was a note saying that a package of some snack food was removed and destroyed. The reason given was that on its list of ingredients was "chicken or other poultry seasoning and/or flavoring." It looked like it was taken from a present intended for our kids which contained a toy filled with snacks. I suspect it was one of those ramen snack bags.

I assume this was due to the avian flu problem in Asia. Are they checking baggage for poultry items when you enter any of the Asian countries? How about when you re enter the US?

The US does not allow meat or poultry products to be brought back in your luggage or to be mailed to the US. This is a long-standing rule and doesn't have anything to do with the Avian flu.

Actually I should think very few countries allow items such as meat, vegetables etc to be bought in unless through the 'controled' importation. Certainly in Australia / NZ they are rigid on everything like that. I don't think it has anything to do with Bird Flu.

Well, this was not a meat product. It was an item among a bag full of candy and crackers intended for my kids, and contained the chicken flavoring (not unlike our Chicken in a Biscuit cracker). I'm guessing it was a ramen snack that kids eat (uncooked) although I never saw the item that got removed.

Probably should not be buying any rubber duckies overseas and bringing them back.

It's hard to say. Customs is different in EVERY airport! No consistency whatsoever!