Goose fat

I'm new here so pardon if this is the wrong forum for this topic.

My mother is an avid fan of goose fat in a few dishes that she likes to make. She has me bring a few jars with me each time I visit. However I am less cavalier about bringing products into the US. these days. I've never declared the goose fat but thought as it was processed in a sealed jar or can it would be okay. I now read that this may not be the case.

I think I would prefer to just leave it behind than go through declaring it at the airport. When I arrive I just want to get out of there asap. Any experience in bringing this type of product into the US?

You have to declare every meat or poultry product you are bringing in.  For example you are not allowed to bring in Christmas puddings made with suet or other animal fat.  Suspect they would confiscate it if you mentioned it but don't know.  Personally, I'd give it a miss.   

The US landing card asks if you have any food, so yes it should be declared.  You won't get in any trouble that way.  If they say it's not an allowed product, if you declared it you won't have any trouble (you just won't be allowed to keep it).

I had jam on one trip and they pulled me aside as it was 'fruit' which isn't allowed.  The guy looked at the jar and seal and said it was fine to bring in.  Had I not declared it and they found it, I could have been hit with a fine.

From what I have read and understand, it SHOULD be ok as long as you declare it. It is a product made form an animal but as long as it is commercially processed in a sealed jar then it seems it would be ok (especially since it is not a beef product) but still declare it. I've read about others who have brought it in and another who brought some in and it was confiscated, although assumed this was down to misguided judgement on Customs' part.

I've brought fruit into the US from the UK but it was in mince pies and jam. I declared it anyways. They barely looked at the box before saying ok and waving me on, probably because it wasn't fresh. I know it's not meat but the closest Ive been to your situation :-P

Thanks so much for the replies. I'll bring and declare. My mom will be very disappointed if I don't bring it - she doesn't ask for much. For years she had me bring in Maldon Sea Salt. Even though it can be purchased in the US it was apparently a lot more expensive. She hasn't asked for that recently.

I end up bringing an array of foodstuffs back with me to the UK, mainly requests from kids who are now adults but still insist on large bags of mint M&Ms and strawberry Twizzlers . Pepperidge Farm cornbread stuffing also features. My elder daughter works in the food industry so likes to peruse the supermarket shelves in the US and bring back odd products to show her work colleagues.

Update: I made it through customs with my goose fat. I decided for once that I would declare the goods. When I told the border official what I had he just nodded and said that was okay (as if people brought in goose fat all the time, lol). Mom was happy.