Eight types of food Nigerians are not allowed to bring into Canada including honey & meat products
If you’re planning a trip from Nigeria to Canada, you might be tempted to bring along some of your favorite local delicacies. However, Canada has strict regulations regarding food imports to safeguard public health, agriculture, and the environment.
Violating these regulations could result in confiscation of your items, hefty fines, or even legal consequences.
Before you pack your bags, it’s important to consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website, as these rules can change frequently. To help you prepare, here’s a list of eight food items that Nigerians are not allowed to bring into Canada.
Homemade or Unlabelled Foods
Homemade meals, unbranded snacks, and repackaged food items are prohibited. Only commercially sealed, clearly labeled products from recognized brands can pass through Canadian customs.
Honey and Bee Products
Raw honey, bee pollen, and royal jelly are restricted due to the risk of carrying bacteria and diseases that could harm local bee populations. Processed honey from approved sources may be allowed in limited quantities.
Fish and Seafood
While dried catfish, crayfish, and herring are permitted, fresh or frozen seafood without proper certification is banned to prevent contamination from bacteria and marine toxins.
Meat and Meat Products
Canada enforces a strict ban on most meat products, including fresh, dried, smoked, or cured meats such as kilishi, ponmo, sausages, and bacon. Even meat-based seasonings and broths are not allowed to prevent the spread of diseases.
Dairy Products
Items like powdered milk, fresh milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt require special permits and are generally prohibited due to disease concerns. However, commercially packaged hard cheeses from approved countries may be allowed in small quantities.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits like apples, oranges, and agbalumo, as well as leafy greens and herbs, are banned due to the risk of carrying pests and plant diseases. However, some dried vegetables are permitted.
Eggs and Egg Products
Raw eggs and egg-based products like custards and mayonnaise are prohibited due to the risk of salmonella and bird flu transmission. However, commercially processed egg products may be permitted.
Nuts and Seeds
Unroasted nuts such as raw peanuts, cashews, and sunflower seeds are banned to prevent pest infestations. However, roasted, salted, or processed nuts are generally allowed.
To avoid issues at the border, travelers should always declare food items and verify import rules before packing.
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