These are great suggestions! Thanks to all for sharing your tips.

thanks for the great tips!

Good tips!

Does anybody else remember when Lucy tried to smuggle a big salami back from Europe? She wrapped it in a shawl like a baby. Or when she stomped on grapes in a vat with Ethel?

Agricultural products in a raw or near-raw state -- fresh fruit and veg, many meat and cheeses products -- are not permitted into the U.S. It is difficult to know in advance just how the inspector you draw will interpret the goods. I learned the hard way (had to surrender a salami) that to be safe, it is best to avoid all meat and cheese items. Sweets and bottled, canned or baked goods are OK.

The customs declaration you fill out before landing asks if you have any food items. Be sure to answer honestly and you'll probably be waved along without delay. If you don't, and the dogs sniff meat, it could cause you to have to unpack everything for USDA inspection.

Read the guidelines here:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/cl..._prod_inus.xml