Food in Checked Luggage?

I was spot checked coming in the US once from Ireland and I was reprimanded for not declaring my candy as it was food. I have to say, I declare things going into the US, but when I come to Ireland, not so much. 

I personally find they're harder coming into the states. Jon got pulled up for having a sandwich with him. The "meat" slice was vegetarian. The custom guy pulled apart the sandwich, had a good look at everything and then gave it all back to Jon, who obviously didn't want it by then.

Coming back into the U.S., I always have to declare that I've been on a farm, so they pull me aside and I have to wait for them to scrub my wellies.

Coming back into the U.S., I always have to declare that I've been on a farm, so they pull me aside and I have to wait for them to scrub my wellies.

You mean that you have the US government shine your shoes everytime you come into the country? Where do you sign up for that service?

You mean that you have the US government shine your shoes everytime you come into the country? Where do you sign up for that service?

LOL! 

We always bring (and declare) whole coffee beans from the US to the UK.   However, as we have been told the type of metal lined packages that coffee come set off the scanners.  I have also heard that drugs can be hidden in coffee, so I always expect to have to show it to them.   So when ever we have brought them in either carry on or checked luggage they always get pulled and very carefully examined.     Just know that you may have to answer questions and wait for them to look things over - BUT it has never been a problem.   

I understand the no fruit rule, but it's just fresh fruit right? I really want to bring a bag of prunes...mmm...mmm...do I ever love those things!! Will it be a problem?

I'm pretty sure that if it's dried/processed or whatever, you should be alright.  I'd be sure to declare it, anyway.

I understand the no fruit rule, but it's just fresh fruit right? I really want to bring a bag of prunes...mmm...mmm...do I ever love those things!! Will it be a problem?

You can get prunes in both countries?

Snail smuggler!

 

I understand the no fruit rule, but it's just fresh fruit right? I really want to bring a bag of prunes...mmm...mmm...do I ever love those things!! Will it be a problem?

Yeah, they even have prunes at our tiny Co-Op on the corner! They should be super easy to find here.

You can get prunes in both countries?

I was going to say this as well--also the same thing with popcorn.  I'm a bit confused about that.  I know it isn't sold in the same location of the store, but I get popcorn at Tesco with no problem.

Microwave popcorn? Really? Where? (I've looked up and down the aisles at the local Tesco's without any luck...)

I've never found microwave popcorn either.  They have that already popped stuff (which I call "fake popcorn")...usually coated in caramel or some other type of sugary, chemical-loaded substance that helps to preserve it.

I've found Orville Redenbacher Movie Theater Butter micro pop corn in Morrisons, granted this was about a year ago but it was there.

You can get prunes in both countries?

Meh, oh well, I was in Costco yesterday, saw them and grabbed them!

Microwave popcorn seems quite standard in Tescos ('Popz' brand,) and other supermarkets.  It's usually either with the 'store cupboard puddings' or in the crisps and nuts section.

I don't think they're a massively popular line and are usually on a low shelf, you may need to go to a proper supermarket not one of the smaller Metro shops.