Raw Meat, Animal Stomach, More Seized At Philly Airport: Customs

PHILADELPHIA — Raw meat, hot dogs, and animal stomach were just a few food items seized at the Philadelphia International Airport last month.

According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an agriculture detector dog led to the seizure of nearly 14 pounds of prohibited food products at the airport on Dec. 19.

CBP agriculture detector K9 Potter alerted to the baggage of two travelers who arrived on a flight from Albania.

During a secondary examination, specialists found 6.2 kilograms of raw unknown meat, pork hot dogs and raw ruminant tripe, 2.2 kilograms of fresh leeks, and two kilograms of fresh chestnuts. However, in the chestnuts specialists found two live insects, Cydia splendana (Tortricidae), a chestnut tortrix moth common to Europe, and Curculio sp. (Curculionidae), a nut weevil.

CBP seized the prohibited food products and released the travelers to continue their visit to Philadelphia. All prohibited agricultural items were destroyed.

CBP agriculture specialists observe increases in prohibited agriculture products during the holidays when foreign travelers bring traditional meals and products to celebrate with family in the United States.