
Travellers are permitted to bring food through airport security in Canada, both when travelling within the country and when returning to Canada. Solid foods, such as sandwiches, apples, and granola bars, are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. Liquids, non-solid foods, and personal items must be packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1L. Containers of liquids and non-solid foods must be 100ml or less. Some items, such as baby food and breast milk, are exempt from these restrictions. When bringing food into Canada, travellers should be aware of federal import requirements and any restrictions that may apply based on the item, its origin, and the province it is brought into.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Solid food items | Permitted in carry-on and checked baggage |
| Examples of solid food items | Sandwiches, apples, granola bars, crackers, nuts, fruits, meat sandwiches, vegetables |
| Liquids, non-solid food, and personal items | Must be in containers of 100ml or less; must fit in a clear, closed, resealable 1L plastic bag |
| Exemptions | Baby food/drink, breast milk, prescription medicines, essential non-prescription medicines |
| Bringing food into Canada for personal use | Allowed within specified personal exemption limits of Safe Food for Canadian Regulations; no restrictions under other federal legislation |
| Bringing food into Canada from the US | Refer to Table 1 of food products allowed |
| Bringing food into Canada from a foreign country other than the US | Refer to Table 2 of food products allowed |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Solid foods, such as sandwiches, are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage when travelling within Canada
- Liquids, non-solid foods, and gels must be under 100ml/100g and placed in a clear, resealable 1L bag
- Exemptions are made for baby food, breast milk, and prescription medicines
- Food brought into Canada from another country may be subject to restrictions and federal import requirements
- Food leaving Canada may be subject to the regulations of the country you are visiting

Solid foods, such as sandwiches, are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage when travelling within Canada
Solid foods, such as sandwiches, are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage when travelling within Canada. This includes solid foods such as apples, granola bars, and even meat sandwiches. However, it's important to note that some food items may be subject to restrictions. For example, foods that are mashed, puréed, or mixed with sauces, like mashed potatoes, chilli, or stews, are not considered solids and may be restricted. To be considered a solid, a food item must be solid at room temperature.
When packing solid foods, it's recommended to keep them in your carry-on baggage for easy access and to avoid potential spoilage. You can pack solid foods in containers or plastic bags, ensuring they are properly sealed and secured to prevent any leaks or damage. Keep in mind that food items with a strong odour may be restricted on certain airlines, so it's always good to check their specific guidelines.
In addition to solid foods, you can also bring certain non-solid food items on your flight within Canada. Non-solid foods, such as yogurt, pudding, peanut butter, and jam, are allowed in your carry-on baggage but must be in containers of 100 ml or less. All containers must fit within a clear, closed, and resealable 1-litre plastic bag, which will be screened separately at the security checkpoint.
It's important to note that restrictions may apply to food in checked baggage, and certain items may be prohibited. For example, foods that are liquid or gel-like, even if frozen solid, may not be allowed in carry-on baggage. These items can be placed in your checked baggage as long as they are not prohibited. Always refer to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) guidelines for the most up-to-date information on permitted food items.
DFW Airport: COVID Testing Available?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Liquids, non-solid foods, and gels must be under 100ml/100g and placed in a clear, resealable 1L bag
When travelling within Canada, solid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage. This includes items such as sandwiches, apples, granola bars, and packaged food items like gluten-free crackers. Liquids, non-solid foods, and gels, on the other hand, have specific requirements.
If you are travelling with liquids, non-solid foods, or gels, they must be in containers of 100ml or 100g (3.4 oz) or less. This includes items like yogurt, pudding, peanut butter, jam, and beverages. All containers must fit into a single clear, resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. The approximate dimensions of this bag are 15.24 cm by 22.86 cm (6 inches by 9 inches) or 20 cm by 17.5 cm (8 inches by 7 inches).
It's important to note that food over 100ml that is normally a liquid or gel, even if frozen solid, will not be allowed through security in your carry-on. However, containers over 100ml/100g can be placed in your checked baggage as long as they are not prohibited items.
Some items are exempt from the 100ml/100g limit and do not need to be placed in a plastic bag. These include baby food and drink for infants under two years of age, breast milk, and prescription medicines.
Exploring Singapore: Making the Most of Your Layover
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Exemptions are made for baby food, breast milk, and prescription medicines
Baby food and formula are exempt from the usual liquid restrictions at airport security. You can carry more than 100ml of baby food or formula through security, and you are not required to put it in a plastic bag. You can also carry breast milk in quantities greater than 100ml. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, even if they are partially frozen or slushy. Your child does not need to be travelling with you for you to bring these items. However, you must inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying these items, and they will need to be screened separately from your other belongings.
Liquid, gel, or aerosol prescription medications are also exempt from liquid restrictions. You can carry these items in your carry-on baggage in quantities larger than 100ml, and they do not need to be placed in a plastic bag. However, you must declare these items to the screening officer for inspection. It is recommended that you carry these items in their original containers with a pharmacy label identifying the medication. Medications requiring refrigeration should be securely packed to prevent spills or contamination and stored in an insulated container with gel or ice packs. You should also declare these to the screening officer.
Solid tablet non-prescription medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and vitamins, are not subject to volume restrictions. However, certain powders and granular materials, such as mineral-based supplements, are limited to a total quantity of 350ml or less in your carry-on baggage.
Manchester Airport Food Rules: What Can You Carry?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Food brought into Canada from another country may be subject to restrictions and federal import requirements
When travelling within Canada, solid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage. These include sandwiches, apples, and granola bars. However, if you are travelling internationally, any food not consumed, including food in checked baggage, will be subject to the regulations of the country you are visiting. Some food items may be restricted, such as liquids and mashed or puréed foods. To be considered a solid, the food must be solid at room temperature. Powders and granular materials are limited to a total quantity of 350 ml/g or less in carry-on baggage.
When bringing food into Canada from another country, it is important to be aware of federal import requirements and restrictions. These restrictions can vary depending on the type of food, the country of origin, and the Canadian province you are entering. It is your responsibility to ensure that the food you are bringing complies with Canadian requirements and does not pose a risk to human health, plants, or animals.
All food products brought into Canada must be declared to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and they may be inspected at the point of entry. To determine if a food product is allowed into Canada and under what conditions, you can refer to the tables provided by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) or use their Automated Import Reference System (AIRS). The CFIA also sets maximum quantity limits for personal use exemptions, with a general limit of 20 kg for foods not mentioned.
Certain types of food may be prohibited or have additional restrictions. For example, the importation of certain aquatic invasive species is prohibited by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Trade in protected species is also controlled under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It is important to verify the import requirements for any food, plant, or animal products before bringing them into Canada.
Perfumes in Carry-Ons: What's the Airport Rule?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Food leaving Canada may be subject to the regulations of the country you are visiting
Solid food items are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage when travelling within Canada. This includes items such as sandwiches, apples, and granola bars. However, if you are travelling outside of Canada, any food you bring will be subject to the regulations of the country you are visiting. Some food items may be subject to restrictions, particularly liquids and foods that are mashed, puréed, or mixed with sauce. These may include common items such as mashed potatoes, smoothies, chilli, or stews.
When bringing food into Canada for personal use, there is an exemption limit of 20 kg for all foods not mentioned. It is important to note that food can sometimes be contaminated with hazards that pose risks to human health, and certain food items may not comply with Canadian requirements. Therefore, all food products brought into Canada must be declared.
When taking food from Canada to another country, it is essential to be aware of the regulations and restrictions of your destination. Some countries have strict rules regarding specific food items and ingredients. For example, certain countries in Europe, such as France, Austria, Finland, Norway, and the UK, have banned specific food items and additives commonly found in North American products. These banned items include Froot Loops and Maraschino cherries due to the presence of certain dyes and chemicals. Additionally, countries like New Zealand and Austria avoid farmed-raised fish due to the use of chemicals and antibiotics in farming practices.
It is worth noting that some countries have restrictions on meat and dairy products. For instance, US milk is banned in Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the EU due to the use of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) or recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), a synthetic growth hormone to increase milk production. Similarly, Canada's federally inspected processing plants require hogs sold to the market to be "Ractopamine free," which means pigs have never been fed ractopamine. As a result, Canadian pork exported from these plants complies with this standard.
Airport Security: iPhone Chargers Allowed?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring food through airport security in Canada. Solid food items, such as sandwiches, apples, and granola bars, are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage when travelling within Canada.
Non-solid foods, such as yogurt, pudding, peanut butter, and jam, must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear, resealable 1L plastic bag.
There are no specific restrictions on food when travelling within Canada. However, certain powders and granular materials, such as baking powder and salt, are limited to a total quantity of 350ml/g or less in carry-on baggage.
Yes, travellers can bring food into Canada for personal use, provided it is within the specified personal exemption limits and there are no restrictions under other federal legislation. It is important to check the restrictions that apply to the specific food product and country of origin before bringing food into Canada.











































