Can anyone tell me if the US Dept of Agriculture is currently allowing people to bring fresh pistachios into the US ? Port of entry is LAX and the pistachios will be loose (not in a jar).
Thanks
Pat

If we answered you here, would you take it as fact? If so, bad idea!

Take a look at the US Customs website. I've seen a list there of allowable items, and that will answer your question definitively, rather than what someone on the internet thinks is true.

Dear pat:

I would say no. USDA doesn't allow any agricultural products, particularly if they are not processed or packaged. Do check out their website for sure.

MY

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

Basically, you'll need to declare the nuts and let the inspector decide whether to allow them in or not.

Read that customs website. I find it amusing that they express concern about BSE entering the country through contaminated beef. I'll have to ruminate on that one for awhile.

Of course I checked the Dept of Agriculture and Customs and Border Protection sites - both were frustratingly undhelpful. I thought a first hand answer from someone who either brought in pistachios (after declaring them) or was denied bringing them in by the inspecting officer, would be a quicker way to get an answer. As an australian, I'm all for checking incoming products - I just wish there was a better "customer service" available from the departments involved.
Thanks to all who replied.