What food can I take to Peru?
When one is traveling to Peru, he or she must know the country’s customs regulations concerning food. Although it has many local ingredients and a diverse culinary scene, some things are not permitted in the country. In this article, we will delve into what you can and cannot bring in terms of food to Peru.
Allowed Food Items
Peru allows travelers to bring a limited amount of certain food items for personal consumption. These items include:
| Food Item | Quantity Allowed |
|---|---|
| Canned or packaged foods | Up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) |
| Dried fruits and nuts | Up to 2 pounds (0.9 kg) |
| Chocolate and candy | Up to 2 pounds (0.9 kg) |
| Tea and coffee | Up to 1 pound (0.45 kg) |
| Spices | Up to 1 pound (0.45 kg) |
| Honey | Up to 1 quart (0.95 liters) |
| Olive oil | Up to 1 quart (0.95 liters) |
Note, however, that these must be bought only for personal use and be in their original packaging. Commercial volumes or goods intended for resale are not among the allowed.
Restricted Food Items
At the same time as a small amount of some kinds of foods is allowed by Peru, there are also several restrictions on what you can take with you to the country. These include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat and poultry products
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Live animals
- Plants and plant products
Before taking any such item into Peru, one needs a permit from the Peruvian National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA). This process might be time-consuming and could also need additional documentation so it is better off ask SENASA before trying to come up with such articles for the country.
Prohibited Food Items
Among others, Peru has an extensive list of prohibited foodstuffs that cannot enter its borders under any circumstances at all. These include:
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- Uncooked meat or poultry such as chicken legs
- Specific fish species as well as seafood
- Various kinds of fruits and vegetables
- Different types of seasoning herbs
- Types of nuts/seeds having natural skin
- Different types of chewable candies/ chocolates
- Certain drinks are made from particular plant leaves
If you try bringing these items into Peru they will be taken away by the customs officers who also may fine you or give other penalties.
Read also Medications not allowed in Peru and What can you not bring to Peru
Tips for Bringing Food to Peru
Should you be planning on taking food to Peru, the following are some tips that you should keep in mind:
- Check the customs regulations before traveling and ensure that your items are acceptable there.
- Pack your food items in checked luggage, not carry-on bags to prevent airport security issues.
- Keep the original packing of the food items so as to identify them easily.
- Tell customs officers about all foodstuffs as soon as you arrive at Lima airport in Peru.
- Be ready to pay any applicable customs charges and taxes against your foodstuffs.
By abiding by such guidelines and understanding Peru’s customs regulations, one can make it easier for herself/himself while traveling with food into this nation.
Finally, although Peru has a diverse culinary scene and many delicious native ingredients, one needs to familiarize himself/herself with its regulations on importing foods. One can know which ones are allowed, others restricted while others are altogether prohibited hence ensuring his/her journey is enjoyable as well as compliant with Peruvian law.
