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By Adegboyega Adeleye
As a Nigerians are willing to travel to Canada and several countries, it is pertinent to take note of certain restrictions and regulations, especially with food items.
If you want to travel from Nigeria to Canada, you could want to bring some of your home delicacies with you but there are some food items that are not acknowledged and welcomed due to strict important regulations made to protect health, safety, and the environment. A failure to declare restricted foods can lead to confiscation, hefty fines, or even criminal charges.
Immigrants are required to check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website before travelling, as regulations aren’t static rules –they can change at any time.
This article outlines six food items Nigerians are not allowed to take to Canada.
1. Meat and Meat Products
There is the prohibition of most meat products in Canada which includes fresh, dried products, including fresh, dried, smoked, or cured meats like kilishi, ponmo, sausages, and bacon. Even meat-based seasonings and broths are not allowed. These rules help prevent the spread of diseases.
2. Dairy products
Diary products such as Powdered milk, fresh milk, cheese, butter, and yoghurt are not allowed without special permits. However, commercially packaged hard cheeses from approved countries may be permitted in small quantities.
3. Fish and seafood
In Canada, dried catfish, crayfish, and herring are permitted but fresh or frozen seafood without proper certification is banned. The restriction helps prevent contamination from bacteria and marine toxins.
4. Eggs and egg products
Another banned food item in Canada is Raw eggs and egg-based products such as custards and mayonnaise. These food items are not allowed due to the risk of salmonella and bird flu transmission. However, commercially processed egg products may be permitted.
5. Nuts and seeds
Unroasted nuts like raw peanuts, cashews, and sunflower seeds are banned to prevent pest infestations(another health concern which the Canadian officers try to prevent). However, roasted, salted, or processed nuts are generally permitted.
6. Fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits like apples, oranges, and cherry, along with leafy greens and herbs, are banned in Canada. These items can carry pests and plant diseases. However, some dried vegetables are allowed in Canada.
