Bringing too many Easter eggs (cascarones) into the U.S. from Mexico is a crime – and even bringing fresh eggs in warrants a hefty fine - the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is warning travelers.
And, even bringing in an acceptable number of Easter eggs has restrictions, the CBP warned in an advisory today:
“With the Easter festivities right around the corner, CBP is reminding the traveling public that cascarones (confetti-filled eggshells) are restricted to quantities of 12 per passenger and the shells may be decorated, etched, or painted but they must be clean, dry, and free of any egg residue. They may contain confetti or other unregulated items.”
Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease from contaminated egg shells have prompted the Easter Egg restrictions, the CBP explains:
“Cascarones are a restricted commodity by CBP in order to prevent further spread of Newcastle Disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) through contaminated eggshells.”
And, bringing fresh eggs, of any kind, into the U.S. will subject a traveler to a fine of as much as $1,000:
“CBP would like to remind the public that fresh eggs, raw chicken, and live birds or poultry continue to be prohibited from Mexico as Mexico is affected with Newcastle Disease and HPAI. Attempting to bring in these or other prohibited agricultural items would lead to traveler delays and may result in a fine ranging from $300 to $1000.”
Finally, the CBP warns that Kinder (German for “children”) Eggs are banned from the U.S. because they contain a small toy that children might swallow:
“Kinder Chocolate Eggs are banned for sale and import into the United States because they contain a toy surprise hidden inside that poses a choking/aspiration hazard for children younger than three years of age. The Kinder Eggs contain small toy parts which violate the Small Parts Regulation issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.”