10. November 2008 by admin.

This morning is was once again reminded that some US Customs Officers like to know what you have for lunch.  Fortunately, my lunch passed the inspection or the officer wasn’t really that hungry for my lunch.

However, occasionally we see officers that like to enforce the no fruit rule.  First, if I choose to bring an orange with me to work, it’s for my personal consumption.  I do not plan on giving to anyone else.  Second, when was the last time you heard about anyone eating an orange grown in Canada?  I know where in the southern most part of the country but there are no orange trees here!  Third, I’ve seen Customs officers confiscate oranges that were clearly grown in the Florida because of the sticker on their skin. 

So next time you think about bring an orange to work across the border, make prepared to lose it to the bright yellow quarantined trash container!

Posted in Lunch, US Customs | 2 Comments »

6. November 2008 by admin.

Earlier this week I was reminded that everything entering the United States is subject to search by Custom’s officials.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand that in the best interests of the United States and its safety, it is important to have strict rules to abide by to protect the health and safety of its citizen.  But my lunch?

Almost everyday I bring a lunch across the border with me.  During the recent rise of the Canadian dollar to par and beyond, I have been doing all of my grocery shopping in Michigan.  Being paid in US dollars, it was simply cheaper to cross the border, pay the toll, drive the extra miles to grocery shop.  I estimate that I saved hundreds of dollars over the past year.  This means that the eco-friendly bag that transports my lunch contains foods grown, processed and manufactured in the US or at a minimum meeting all US Agricultural standards.

But on Tuesday morning, I was asked what was in my bag.  “Lunch,” I replied.  I generally try to answer all officers questions with one word answers whenever possible.  “Place it up here,” was the response.  I don’t know about you but I really don’t like anyone poking their fingers through my lunch.  Fortunately, for me the bananas were in clear sight and the contents of the bag were not spreadout over the table.  My lunch, for the most part, remained untouched.

This incident reminded me of previous encounters with the Lunch Police.  I’ll save those stories which I’ve entitled, “The Hat Man,” “Where’s the Beef,” “Tossed Salad,” and “Florida Oranges” for another days entry.

By the way, I’m not sure what happened at the border today.  There was no traffic or backup.  Very odd!

Thanks for stopping by — I hope that you’ll come back often!

Posted in Lunch, US Customs | 1 Comment »