U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers (CBP) at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry in New Mexico seized 30 rolls of pork bologna, totaling 277 pounds, on February 24. Due to the possibility of foreign animal disease contamination bologna containing pork products is prohibited from entering the U.S., the agency says in a release.
The bologna was discovered when a U.S. citizen from Sunland Park, New Mexico, stopped for inspection at the port of entry from Mexico. During the inspection, CPB officers found the rolls of bologna hidden under the mats and seats of the front and rear passenger sides of the vehicle, as well as in the floorboard.
“Our CBP Officers diligently inspect all conveyances for contraband and prohibited agriculture products thereby safeguarding the United States from foreign animal diseases,” says Santa Teresa Port Director Fernando Thome, in the release. “We take pride in facilitating the legitimate travel and trade, to include protecting the nation’s agricultural industry.”
The 277 pounds of bologna was seized, and the driver was given a $1,000 civil penalty. While this seizure also happened in New Mexico, it is unrelated to the bologna seizure earlier in February, the agency says.
CBP provides a critical role in protecting the nations’ agriculture and reminds the public that all food products must be declared and are subject to inspection. Failure to declare agriculture products could lead to the seizure of products and a fine.
Related:
Federal Agents Seize 194 Pounds of Prohibited Bologna
Border Inspections: First Line of Defense to Protect Agriculture
