Traveling to America - should I be concerned?

alladream

I eat a lot of dairy here in Europe and things like:

- unpasturized cheese
- raw milk
- raw eggs
- peanut butter
- Mett - raw minced pork meat
- steak tartare - raw beef
- oysters, sushi, sahimi, crudos, etc...

But from all the threads here, it seems that the food in America is dangerous and I don't think I can travel with two weeks of food. A lot of threads here talk about bad dairy, bad eggs, bad peanut butter. I'm not sure I should eat at places where I don't know the source.

Or should I stick to fast food places where I understand that the food quality is controlled and tested. I know it's strange to focus on that but I'm concerned about the quality of restaurants and I really won't have a car there nor a place to cook.

Thanks for your advise.

There is very little raw food (dairy, meat) legal in the US for sale to be eaten raw: things are pasteurised and otherwise treated to prevent listeria etc. The quality of food in general is quite poor (and yes I live here), and since I moved to NJ a month or two ago, the quality is clearly much worse than in Vermont. Fast food is very poor in nutrition here, and that is also why many people are obese: bad nutrition that does not give them the nutrients they need, plus a lot of genetically-modified food that is not labelled can cause a lot of swelling and bloating. I personally would find good organic or vegetarian or European restaurants, since the one we like best near here is Greek and they make their own food and have good quality. Then again, the local diner is also Greek, and the food is terrible, very poor quality, but still costs a lot. I personally say to go to health food stores to buy organic and non-treated food, but that is not always possible. Good luck, and do not be confused by the replies: many people do not quite understand the questions, and get defensive.

Ilysandrew11

Ummmm....wow. Eat just fast food and you are sure to gain weight quick! When you get to America get pasteurized eggs and cheese and if your going to eat meat make sure its cooked properly. Sushi shouldnt be a problem, just check the grades at the restaurants you will be eating at!!! A would be good, F would hopefully be shut down....hope you ave a great trip!

angryguy77

My boyfriend is from brazil and it annoys him to hear the US referred to as America, so it does bother some.

On the original note, I would avoid eating at all. We have calories in our air and you'll probably gain about ten pounds just by breathing.

Just tell him the rest of the world knows the US isn't the only America, they just know it's the only one that matters.

Onesnap

well in the part of America -United States, I live in. we do not encourge eatting raw or unpasteurized meat/ dairy. However, if you are already used to it, there is no reason you can eat it here, if you can find it. If you cant, you may want to bring a meat grinder with you. Buy some raw meat at the market and grind or mince your own. You can find farmers to provide you with fresh eggs. Its not dangerous to eat the food you enjoy at home here. We just tend to pasteurize, cook and freeze everything. good luck.

Actually that's not true. You can buy raw milk cheese at Whole Foods. At dairy farms in the US you can sign a waiver and buy raw milk. And I've only ever bought eggs from a local farm (I don't buy anything factory farmed) So, don't generalize, that's how we got into this discussion IN THE FIRST PLACE. WE don't ALL pasteurize, cook and freeze everything. If you look a little deeper, you would know there's plenty of raw milk options in stores or at local farms.

Onesnap

My boyfriend is from brazil and it annoys him to hear the US referred to as America, so it does bother some.

On the original note, I would avoid eating at all. We have calories in our air and you'll probably gain about ten pounds just by breathing.

Just tell him the rest of the world knows the US isn't the only America, they just know it's the only one that matters.

The same people that spread rumors that fast food is the ONLY SAFE FOOD IN AMERICA WHEN IT'S THE WORST FOOD? When I say Canada I mean Canada, South America I mean South America. Mexico is Mexico and America is USA.

ahviendha

nextrightthing

OP, you're hilarious, and so is this thread.

If you ever go to Russia, watch out for the bears on the streets. The ones that Putin hasn't tranquilized yet.

Canada has some free-roving beavers that will suck you dry if you let them.

Not true....the beaver attacks I have read about all happened in the States and just this last summer. I think you should be more worried about the beavers than the food :-)

WendyTerry420

I used to live in Europe. Don't worry about it. My #1 recommendation is DO NOT EAT AT FAST FOOD PLACES! I have a friend who is a health inspector. I don't want to say more than that and totally gross people out - but just stay away from them. Make the right choices when you are here. I don't know about the rest of the country, but in CO and MA there are plenty of places where you can get an good healthy meal and not feel like you have to worry about dying from eColi.

Chilis. Olive Garden. Applebees. All still considered fast food. It's all microwaved frozen food. And gross. So don't eat at those either.

I used to work at Olive Garden. Their food is not microwaved, frozen food. Now the lasagna, they *do* make in advance, but it's still made there in the kitchen.

rob1976

OP, you're hilarious, and so is this thread.

If you ever go to Russia, watch out for the bears on the streets. The ones that Putin hasn't tranquilized yet.

Canada has some free-roving beavers that will suck you dry if you let them.

Not true....the beaver attacks I have read about all happened in the States and just this last summer. I think you should be more worried about the beavers than the food :-)

I've never been attacked by a beaver. I've attacked a few myself, though....

rml_16

I used to live in Europe. Don't worry about it. My #1 recommendation is DO NOT EAT AT FAST FOOD PLACES! I have a friend who is a health inspector. I don't want to say more than that and totally gross people out - but just stay away from them. Make the right choices when you are here. I don't know about the rest of the country, but in CO and MA there are plenty of places where you can get an good healthy meal and not feel like you have to worry about dying from eColi.

Chilis. Olive Garden. Applebees. All still considered fast food. It's all microwaved frozen food. And gross. So don't eat at those either.

I used to work at Olive Garden. Their food is not microwaved, frozen food. Now the lasagna, they *do* make in advance, but it's still made there in the kitchen.

Either way, for Italian food, it isn't that great. Though the breadsticks and desserts are pretty amazing.

Not to say it's TERRIBLE, but this idea that it resembles authentic Italian is quite funny.

michelle__b

[/quote]I've never been attacked by a beaver. I've attacked a few myself, though....
[/quote] LOL!

EvgeniZyntx

Troll?

That's my guess.

I sure hope so, else we just freaked out some poor soul :noway:

I'm not freaked. Promise.

Onesnap

I used to live in Europe. Don't worry about it. My #1 recommendation is DO NOT EAT AT FAST FOOD PLACES! I have a friend who is a health inspector. I don't want to say more than that and totally gross people out - but just stay away from them. Make the right choices when you are here. I don't know about the rest of the country, but in CO and MA there are plenty of places where you can get an good healthy meal and not feel like you have to worry about dying from eColi.

Chilis. Olive Garden. Applebees. All still considered fast food. It's all microwaved frozen food. And gross. So don't eat at those either.

I used to work at Olive Garden. Their food is not microwaved, frozen food. Now the lasagna, they *do* make in advance, but it's still made there in the kitchen.

Don't try to tell me that OG is not previously frozen food. I don't buy it.

EvgeniZyntx

Are you serious?

I have not had the flu since 2004.

I eat mostly organic and local food.

You can't LEGALLY BRING FOOD PERISHABLE FOOD INTO AMERICA. EVER.

I'm not sure that the flu has anything to do with this. Do you think you catch the flu from food?

As to the yelling and all capitals text .... ITS WRONG...

I looked at the US Customs page.

They say I can bring a bunch of stuff!! Yea!

Can I bring in food as a traveler (fruit, cheese, meat, etc.)?

The information contained in this answer does not apply to food being sent to the U.S. through the mail, courier services or other means.

This information only covers food (fruit, cheese, meat, etc.) entering the United States in passenger baggage for personal use.

See the question "How do I import food (canned goods, meat, vegetables, fruits, bulk food, etc.) for resale?" for information on importing food for resale.


You may be able to bring in food such as fruits, meats or other agricultural products depending on the region or country from which you are traveling. Restrictions are placed on these products to protect community health, preserve the environment and prevent the introduction of devastating diseases to domestic plants and animals.

Failure to declare food products can result in up to $10,000 in fines and penalties.

The following are generally admissible:

-Condiments such as ketchup (catsup), mustard, mayonnaise and prepared sauces that do not contain meat products

-Olive oil and other vegetable oils

-Bread, cookies, crackers, cakes, granola bars, cereal and other baked and processed products

-Candy and chocolate

-Cheese- Solid cheese (hard or semi-soft, that does not contain meat); butter, butter oil, and cultured milk products such as yogurt and sour cream are not restricted. Feta cheese, Brie, Camembert, cheese in brine, Mozzarella and Buffalo Mozzarella are permissible (USDA Animal Product Manual, Table 3-14-6). Cheese in liquid (such as cottage cheese or ricotta cheese) and cheese that pours like heavy cream are not admissible from countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Cheese containing meat is not admissible depending on the country of origin.

-Canned goods and goods in vacuum packed jars (other than those containing meat or poultry products) for your personal use

-Fish- personal amounts of fish, shrimp, abalone and other seafood are allowed and can be fresh, frozen, dried, smoked, canned or cooked

-Dried Fruit- things like apricots, barberry, currants, dates, figs, gooseberries, peaches, prunes, raisins, tomatillos, and zereshk (USDA Miscellaneous and Processed Products Manual, Table 3-69)

-Liquid milk and milk products intended for use by infants or very young children are admissible if in a reasonable amount or small quantity for several days' use.

Note: Milk and milk products from goats must be accompanied by a USDA import permit if from regions classified as affected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) or Rinderpest.

-Powder drinks sealed in original containers with ingredients listed in English. However, admissibility is still under the discretion of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agricultural Specialist.

-Juices- commercially canned (USDA Miscellaneous and Processed Products Manual, Table 3-75)

-Tea- commercially packaged and ready to be boiled, steeped or microwaved in liquid. Coca, barberry and loose citrus leaves are prohibited (USDA Miscellaneous and Processed Products Manual, Table 3-148)

-Coffee- roasted or unroasted if there is no pulp attached. (USDA Miscellaneous and Processed Products Manual, Table 3-48)

-Spices- most dried spices are allowed except for orange, lemon, lime and other citrus leaves and seeds, lemongrass, and many vegetable and fruit seeds

-Honey- comb honey, royal jelly, bee bread, or propolis if it is not intended to be fed to bees (USDA Miscellaneous and Processed Products Manual, Table 3-100)

-Noodles and ramen that do not have meat or eggs in the spice packets

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/82/~/travelers-bringing-food-into-the-u.s.-for-personal-use

EvgeniZyntx

I don't know where you are visiting in the US, but if you can get to a Wegmans Store, they have an amazing organic section. Food quality in the US is the best in the world. Not sure what you are reading.....

I'm readying all the threads here.
Sugar makes you fat.
Fast food make you fat.
Wheat makes you fat.

And it's all bad and there is this epidemic!

I believe you that the food quality in the US is good - but why can't I have some unpastuerized goat cheese? Is it more dangerous there?

EvgeniZyntx

well in the part of America -United States, I live in. we do not encourge eatting raw or unpasteurized meat/ dairy. However, if you are already used to it, there is no reason you can eat it here, if you can find it. If you cant, you may want to bring a meat grinder with you. Buy some raw meat at the market and grind or mince your own. You can find farmers to provide you with fresh eggs. Its not dangerous to eat the food you enjoy at home here. We just tend to pasteurize, cook and freeze everything. good luck.

I have one of these, German Knife, Turbo Air but I'm pretty sure I can't bring it. It weighs a ton and runs on 220V. I would need a transformer. I'd certainly be over the baggage weight limit. Maybe I can find a hand crank one.

Doodlewhopper

We have never demanded to be called Americans & it's not our fault that the world refers to us as such. Deal with it cry babies.

2blackngold

If you're talking traveling to the USA, odds are good you'd never get that food through customs anyway - the dogs would smell it and it would be confiscated, and you'd spend the first several hours of your holiday explaining to the *very* nice customs agents why you're trying to bring food into the country.

Beyond that, as other posters have said, the US isn't exactly a third-world nation, so you can be reasonably sure you're not going to drop dead eating American food. If you want to derail your diet completely, definitely eat all the fast food you can find. Seriously, just go to a supermarket.

LoosingMyLast15

In the United States, the food you purchase at our markets is safe. There's always potential for issues eating raw...but that's anywhere.

I wouldn't pack the food...enjoy our fresh food from a market. Fast food here isn't any safer than market food...and is much higher in calories, fat, and all things bad for you.

Enjoy your trip!

just had to say i'll be cheering for the broncos saturday even though i'm a Patriots fan. We can't have the ravens move on.

LoosingMyLast15

depending upon where in the USA you are traveling you may be able to find tartare at some of the more upscale restaurants (in major cities). if you are planning on visiting here for a significant amount of time (months i mean) then check out our wonderful organic farmers markets. if you are visiting for several weeks i would stick with eating out at restaurants that focus on buying local. you will find these types of restaurants in a lot of our cities. i would not be concerned about the food, you are coming here to experience our culture and history (assuming) so why limit yourself when it comes to experiencing our food. i've been to europe and have tried foods i would never even think of eating in the states (mutton for example) but i tried it and it was an experience. LOL!