With Canadian Thanksgiving and U.S. Columbus Day just around the corner, turkey dinner with friends may be top of mind. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is reminding travelers looking to come to Canada to celebrate to leave their poultry and poultry products at home.
Due to the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the CFIA has restricted the importation of raw poultry and poultry products into Canada from states currently experiencing outbreaks. This includes the following border states:
- Maine
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Idaho
- Washington
Raw poultry will only be allowed entry into Canada with documentation (e.g., a receipt) stating it was purchased in a state not currently affected by HPAI outbreaks. Those without proper documentation will have to surrender their poultry to Canada Border Services Officers for disposal, or return the item to the grocery store.
However, as of Sept. 19, 2022, retail packaged AND fully cooked poultry products are acceptable for import from any U.S. state, regardless of outbreak status. The label must say Ready to Eat, Cooked, Fully Cooked, etc.
For a full list of restricted states, and more information on what poultry/poultry products are/are not allowed entry to Canada, please visit: inspection.canada.ca/
