U.S. Customs Enforces Ban on Raw Eggs from Mexico Over Disease Concerns

Customs officials report a sharp rise in egg smuggling as bird flu drives U.S. egg prices to record highs.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seen a 158% increase in attempts to smuggle raw eggs from Mexico since fiscal year 2024.
Travelers bringing prohibited agricultural items, including fresh eggs, raw chicken, and live birds, face fines of up to $10,000 if undeclared.
The ongoing bird flu outbreak, the worst on record, has led to the deaths of 166 million poultry in the U.S., contributing to soaring egg prices.
Eggs in Mexico are significantly cheaper, costing less than half of U.S. prices, prompting some travelers to attempt illegal imports.
CBP emphasizes that smuggling raw eggs and other avian products poses a serious risk of spreading diseases like avian influenza and Newcastle disease.