The U.S. Transportation Security Administration issued a warning on the restrictions for foods that travelers may carry in their carry-on baggage when boarding an airplane, as well as prohibited foods. The agency highlighted that passengers may board their flights with cakes, pies, pizzas, solid cheese and other foods, mainly those that have been purchased at the air terminals themselves; however, there are also others that are prohibited to ensure public health, and avoid all pest risks.
U.S. airports have a high mobility of travelers and, thanks to TSA regulations, food safety is closely monitored with sanitary controls. Read on to learn about measures affecting upcoming travel.
TSA addresses direct food ban
The TSA prohibits the transportation of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables in carry-on baggage, especially for individuals flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland.
These prohibitions are made due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests, although the TSA is flexible with the movement of these products through checked baggage, although they must still go through an approval process.
You should know what you can carry in your carry-on bag
When transporting liquids and other foods, it is necessary to comply with the specific rules for each case in order to avoid delays at security checkpoints and facilitate boarding on both domestic and international flights.
The administration offers more information on the food and liquids that can be transported in carry-on baggage through its website, where users will find the specifications imposed by each airline. Below is a preview of what the traveler has to take into account.
All the details set out by the TSA: be aware of all aspects related to different types of food
The following is a list of the main foods with their respective restrictions and information to be taken into account if you are going to travel. The TSA makes it clear at all times what is allowed and what restrictions there are. Here is the list:
Alcohol beverages
Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-on must be able to comfortably fit into a single quart-sized bag.
Baby food
Baby food is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. Please see traveling with children for more information.
Baby formula
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies. Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces.
Bottled water
You have the possibility to carry it in your luggage, in case it is Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed.
Bread
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.
Breast milk
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies.
Candy
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.
Canned food
There are some items that are not on the prohibited items list, but because of how they appear on the X-ray, security concerns, or impact of the 3-1-1 rules for liquids, gels and aerosols, they could require additional screening that might result in the item not being allowed through the checkpoint. We suggest that you pack this item in your checked bag, ship it to your destination or leave it at home.
All other information can be found on the TSA website
After the above information, do not hesitate to consider which foods you can carry in your luggage and what restrictions they may entail depending on the type of food. If you would like more information on this subject, do not hesitate to consult the TSA to avoid any problems at your next destination.