What foods are not allowed in France? (2023)

What foods Cannot be taken to France?

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you. You can however bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products and honey. Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are also allowed.

Customs control

You are not allowed to take meat or meat products to France apart from fish or fish products (up to a maximum of 20kg). You are not allowed to take milk, cheese, yoghurt or other milk-based products except for infant milk, infant food or food required by humans or pets for medical reasons.

Animal Products:

Meat, milk, egg, poultry, and their products, including products made with these materials are either prohibited or restricted from entering the United States. For further information, please visit the Don't Pack A Pest website.

You cannot bring in actual plants, or cut plants and flowers, or fruits and vegetables or seeds. Exceptions include pineapple, banana, coconut, durians and dates as they are considered to pose no risk.

You can carry other products that are not meat or plant based, such as bread, crisps, tea bags, etc. as long as they do not weigh over 2kg. You can also carry certain plant- or animal-based foods such as honey, snails and live oysters, as long as you have under 2kg.

In particular, the following must be declared (list not exhaustive): cash (banknotes and coins), negotiable instruments that are in bearer form or endorsable (such as traveller's cheques, bank cheques and bearer bonds) and all types of commercial papers (promissory notes, money orders, etc.).

The French not only appreciate food, they're committed to not wasting it. In fact, it's the law. Since 2016, large grocery stores have been banned from throwing away unsold food that could be donated to charities.

Visiting. French people tend not to visit unannounced or uninvited. To do so is considered rude. When invited to a dinner, it is common for guests to ask their hosts if they are required to bring something on the day.

What is a weird law in France?

Don't kiss in a French train station

The SNCF (French railways) got tired of the delays caused by couples kissing their farewells on platforms. Thus was born this weird French law that prohibits making out once the train has pulled up to the station.

Avoid asking personal questions relating to one's age, sexual orientation, family or children unless you have a well-established friendship. The French highly value their privacy and the privacy of others. Inquiring about one's salary and finances is taboo.

Products of animal origin can carry pa- thogens that cause dangerous infectious diseases. As a general rule, you cannot bring meat, meat products, milk and milk products (e.g. charcuterie, cheese, yogurt) into the EU. You must declare any animal products you have in your luggage and present them to Customs.

If you plan on going through security with a meal, please be aware of the following: Solid foods are allowed. Liquids must be stored in sealed containers no larger than 100 ml and packed in a single, transparent plastic bag (20 x 20 cm).

Be aware, not all drugs available in the US are legal in France – such as certain pain medication. You will be able to use medicines you bring with you, as long as you carry a supporting prescription, but will not be able to renew that prescription in France.

All travelers entering the United States are REQUIRED to DECLARE meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, as well as plant and animal products (including soup or soup products) they may be carrying. The declaration must cover all items carried in checked baggage, carry-on luggage, or in a vehicle.

If meat items are commercially packaged, cooked, shelf-stable, or “thoroughly cooked throughout,” they may be allowed through no matter what country they come from. Remember that it is up to the agents at the border to make decisions like whether something looks “thoroughly cooked” enough.

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

Foods of animal origin and products of animal origin are subject to restrictions: travellers are not allowed to carry meat, meat-based products, milk and dairy products imported from third countries* in their personal packages and luggage.

The same applies to salad cream, which despite its name does not typically contain any dairy, but only processed ingredients of vegetable origin, such as vinegar, oil, sugar etc. It also contains a small amount of dried egg, but eggs are acceptable as they fall under neither the meat nor the dairy rules.

Can I take tomato ketchup to France?

You can bring it with you, but it has to be in your checked luggage, and I would be VERY careful as to how you package it or you'll end up with a suitcase full of ketchup stained clothes!

Yogurt, fromage blanc, fruits, and cereal bars are all popular snacks in France. However, not all French kids eat a healthy goûter. Nutella or chocolate with bread is a common snack which isn't the most healthy. And then there are les danettes, the most popular crème dessert in France.

The biggest difference between American and French grocery shops is that you must bring your own bag with you when you shop in France.

Allowed items: Most processed, canned, and sealed foods (providing they don't contain animal-derived products) Powdered milk for babies and infants, and baby food (up to a total weight of 2kg) Honey (small quantities for personal consumption only)

You must declare all items you purchased and are carrying with you upon return to the United States, including gifts for other people as well as items you bought for yourself. This includes duty-free items purchased in foreign countries, as well as any merchandise you intend to sell or use in your business.

Their main ingredient is milk. They should be confiscated under the dairy rule. You can surely buy them in France. That's a commercial importation, though.

In essence, you have to declare any items you purchased and/or are carrying with you upon your return to the United States that you did not have when you left. This may include gifts you bought for others or received while abroad, souvenirs, or even found items.

Taking your leftovers home is not customary. The food portions are, after all, significantly smaller than many American restaurants. However, since 2016, larger restaurants have to provide a to-go box to avoid food waste. Still, it is not the norm, and you may get a bit of a side-eye.

But unlike American diners—who see a takeaway box or “doggy bag” as a God-given right—the French do not share this view. At least not according to a government survey which recently found that 70% of French people have never taken home their leftovers.

The first thing the French like to point out is that portions are smaller in France than in the United States, so it's easier to clean your plate. And if food is left over, you wouldn't want to draw attention to it. YOANN: For the French people, it's impolite to ask to take food home.

What Americans should not do in France?

It's not a sign of unfriendliness but simply a different way of conducting interactions. French people aren't unhappy or rude, they simply smile a little bit less than Americans tend to expect. In fact, Americans value smiles a lot more than many cultures.

But even in places like France, where people are generally very demonstrative publicly, the intimate kissing and caressing that may be acceptable in Paris is not always going to be tolerated in more rural areas.

Chewing gum, for example, is something widely accepted around the world but there are some parts that prohibit it. You'll never know unless you look it up on your own. In Paris, you can chew all the gum you like… just don't go around calling any pigs by the name Napoleon!

For Parisians eye contact is a personal matter, much like your choice of wine, or infidelity in relationships. As a general rule, you have to avoid looking strangers in the eye; it's slightly offensive.

Common taboos involve restrictions or ritual regulation of killing and hunting; sex and sexual relationships; reproduction; the dead and their graves; as well as food and dining (primarily cannibalism and dietary laws such as vegetarianism, kashrut, and halal) or religious (treif and haram).

Most Parisians do wear sort of business casual clothing when going to work, and more casual, relaxed clothes on the weekends. However they don't sacrifice style to comfort. It's not typical to wear yoga pants or running style leggings to walk in Paris.

You are allowed though, securitywise. You just cant bring back fresh fruits, cheeses, meats, vegetables. Ive brought back apricot tarts from the purveyor at the Bastille market to be eaten that night. Croissants and French bread dont have preservatives, that's why they're best eaten the same day.

Can I take food in my suitcase to France?

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

You can take solid food, but all liquids will be confiscated at the security check. You can buy water in a shop after the security check (at an inflated price of course) and bring it on board.

Obviously, prescription medications at home require a prescription in France, so take those meds with you. For everything else, just buy it if you need it. Certainly carry Tylenol/aspirin and stomach upset medicine.

Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor's prescription printed on the container. It is advised that you travel with no more than personal use quantities, a rule of thumb is no more than a 90 day supply.

Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full name, health care provider's name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage. Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines.

As a general rule, you cannot bring meat, meat products, milk and milk products (e.g. charcuterie, cheese, yogurt) into the EU. You must declare any animal products you have in your luggage and present them to Customs.

Foods of animal origin and products of animal origin are subject to restrictions: travellers are not allowed to carry meat, meat-based products, milk and dairy products imported from third countries* in their personal packages and luggage.

In particular, the following must be declared (list not exhaustive): cash (banknotes and coins), negotiable instruments that are in bearer form or endorsable (such as traveller's cheques, bank cheques and bearer bonds) and all types of commercial papers (promissory notes, money orders, etc.).

The requirement set for French dressing, which was distinguishable by its reddish-orange color and sweet taste, was that it must contain “at least 35 percent vegetable oil, in addition to an acid, such as vinegar or lemon or lime juice,” The Times explained.

Can I take sandwiches to the EU?

You can no longer take products of animal origin, such as any food or drink contain meat or dairy, or plants and plant products into the EU in your luggage, vehicle, or person.