What Produce is Not Allowed in California? A Comprehensive Guide

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

In 2023, California experienced one of its most extensive fruit fly outbreaks, highlighting the state's vulnerability to invasive species. This continuous threat is why there are strict rules governing what produce is not allowed in California, impacting both commercial transporters and everyday travelers carrying fruits and vegetables.

Quick Summary

This article details specific produce items restricted from entering California, the reasons for these agricultural quarantines, and how to comply with regulations.

Key Points

Invasive Pests: California's restrictions protect its valuable agricultural industry from invasive species and plant diseases, which can cause billions in damage.
Citrus Ban: All citrus plants and propagative parts are strictly prohibited from entering the state due to threats like Huanglongbing disease.
Border Stations: All vehicles, including personal ones, are subject to agricultural inspection at California's border stations, where inspectors confiscate prohibited items.
Strict Restrictions: Specific fresh fruits, nuts with husks, and even houseplants may be restricted depending on their origin and current quarantine status.
Processed vs. Fresh: Commercially processed produce is generally allowed, but fresh and homegrown produce is most likely to be restricted or subject to inspection.
Quarantine Zones: Residents in local quarantine areas must follow specific rules for disposing of backyard produce to prevent the spread of pests.
Declare Items: Failing to declare agricultural products can result in substantial fines and penalties, whereas honest declaration avoids these consequences.

The Core Reason for Agricultural Quarantines

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) implements agricultural quarantines to protect the state's multi-billion dollar agricultural industry and delicate ecosystems from harmful, non-native pests and diseases. Invasive insects, like the Mediterranean and Oriental fruit flies, or diseases, such as Huanglongbing (citrus greening disease), can hitchhike on seemingly harmless fruits and plants. The introduction of these foreign pests can have devastating economic and environmental consequences, including crop destruction, costly eradication programs, and restricted trade. The regulations are designed to be a first line of defense, preventing these threats from ever becoming established within state borders.

Restrictions on Citrus and Other Fruits

One of the most heavily regulated categories is citrus. All plants and propagative parts from the Rutaceae family, which includes citrus plants, are prohibited from entering California. This is due to the threat of diseases like Huanglongbing, spread by the Asian Citrus Psyllid. These restrictions also extend to specific fresh fruits known to be carriers for invasive fruit flies from certain regions or foreign countries. Some examples include guavas (pink and white), mangoes (especially from Florida), pomelos, kumquats, and other tropical and semi-tropical fruits. Furthermore, some stone fruits and berries from specific states are also prohibited during certain periods. It is crucial to check the origin of your produce before attempting to cross state lines.

Nuts, Vegetables, and Other Plant Materials

Restrictions are not limited to fruits. Many nuts are also regulated, particularly if they still have their husks or hulls attached, as these can harbor pests like invasive flies and weevils. In some cases, restrictions can apply to common vegetables depending on the area of origin and current quarantines. For travelers, even houseplants must be free of pests and declared for inspection. The overall rule of thumb is that any agricultural material has the potential to introduce a harmful pest or disease and is subject to inspection and potential confiscation.

The Role of Border Protection Stations

California operates 16 border protection stations on major highways entering the state. These stations are staffed by inspectors who have the authority to stop all vehicles and perform agricultural inspections. They will ask you to declare any plants, fresh fruits, or vegetables you are carrying. These are not just for commercial transporters; private vehicles are subject to the same rules. If a border inspector finds any prohibited or infested items, they have the right to confiscate and destroy the material to protect California's ecosystem. Declaring your items prevents fines and civil penalties.

What About Processed Produce?

Generally, commercially processed or canned fruits and vegetables are allowed, as the processing typically kills any potential pests or pathogens. Home-canned products, however, are often prohibited due to inconsistent preparation methods that may not eliminate pest risks. When in doubt, it is best to leave any fresh or homegrown produce behind.

Comparison of Common Produce Restrictions


Item Category	Example Items	Common Restrictions	Reason for Restriction
Citrus	Oranges, lemons, pomelos, kumquats	Prohibited from all states due to specific pests and diseases.	Huanglongbing (citrus greening) and Asian Citrus Psyllid.
Stone Fruit	Peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots	Restricted from states east of certain borders (NM, CO, WY, MT).	To prevent the spread of specific insect pests.
Berries	Blueberries, huckleberries	Restricted from states east of certain borders.	Pest prevention.
Tropical Fruits	Guavas, mangoes, starfruit, sugarcane	Prohibited or heavily restricted, especially from certain locations like Florida.	Fruit fly hosts.
Nuts	Almonds, walnuts, pecans	Restricted if husks or hulls are attached.	Invasive weevils and flies.

Residential Quarantine Areas

In the event of an invasive pest outbreak, like a fruit fly infestation, the CDFA will establish quarantine zones. Residents within these zones face even stricter rules to contain the spread. They are instructed not to move any homegrown fruits or vegetables from their property. Instead, produce must be consumed on-site or disposed of in the proper garbage bins (double-bagged) rather than compost or green waste. This helps prevent the spread of larvae that could be hidden within the fruit. For more information on specific quarantines, you can visit the CDFA's Pest Exclusion Website.

Conclusion

Understanding what produce is not allowed in California is essential for protecting the state's agriculture and environment. The regulations are in place for a vital reason, and compliance helps prevent the establishment of damaging pests and diseases. By declaring all agricultural items at border stations and being aware of current quarantine rules, both travelers and residents can contribute to safeguarding California's valuable natural resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

California has strict restrictions to protect its massive agricultural industry and natural ecosystems from invasive pests and diseases. These pests, like fruit flies and citrus diseases, can cause catastrophic damage to crops and native plant life.

If you are found with undeclared, restricted agricultural items, you can face significant civil penalties and fines, in addition to having your items confiscated and destroyed. Declaring the items, even if they are prohibited, prevents you from being fined.

Yes, commercially processed or canned fruits and vegetables are generally allowed. This is because the processing method typically eliminates the risk of carrying pests or diseases.

Yes. Restrictions apply to both commercially grown and homegrown produce. In fact, if you live in a quarantine area due to a pest outbreak, you are specifically instructed not to move homegrown produce off your property.

Commonly banned or restricted fruits include all citrus from outside California, specific tropical fruits like guava and mango from certain locations, and some stone fruits and berries from states east of a designated line.

Yes, all vehicles traveling into California on major highways must stop at the agricultural border protection stations for inspection. It is a legal requirement for both private and commercial vehicles.

The most official and up-to-date information is on the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) website. You can also call their pest hotline for specific quarantine questions.