Export Allergies

I remember enjoying my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch at school. Today, my children don't experience the PB&J delicacy. We respect and protect those that have allergies, as the reactions due to allergies can be life threatening. 

In the Customs world, I compare allergies to export controls. Without proper expertise, a business can literally "drop dead" if export controls are not taken seriously. The "reaction" to non-compliance and improper export declaration furthered by a lack of insufficient oversight of export regulations, can result in both monetary penalties and, at times, criminal charges. Now that is what I call a hefty allergic reaction to Export Allergies.

To put it into perspective...
I was called to assist with a seized shipment of goods and the exporter had not idea why the containers could not be loaded onto the shipping vessels.
After review of the documents, I asked if an export declaration was initiated with the Customs authority. The answer was that an export declaration was indeed initiated and I was even provided with a copy of the declaration. So what happened?
On the surface, it seemed that there were no "ingredients" that may cause an "Export Allergic Reaction". However, after taking a closer look at the destination country, we found that sanctions were in place and therefore, the container was seized as no export permit was applied for.

It's not only about the actual Customs export declaration. There are several other government agencies that also require a declaration/application for license/permit in order to initiate the export. The detailed requirements surround not just the country of destination but also the actual product being exported, the intended use of that product, the receiver of the product and many other items to review prior to ensuring that the goods can be exported.
It is like looking at the ingredients and not the warning label. The ingredients may not contain any item that a person may be allergic to. But if the product was made in a facility that also handles peanuts and tree nuts, then even the residue (that does not have to be declared on the ingredient listing) can be life threatening to the individual.
Not knowing all aspects and facets of export controls and regulations can be detrimental to a business.

I made a quiche/soufflé for dinner.
The recipe can be found in the "Gatherings" Cookbook. This cookbook was an initiative by the parent association of a school located in the Greater Toronto area. The recipe is called Broccoli Soufflé. (Thanks to my mom who sent me the recipe.)
You can order the cookbook on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.ca/Gatherings-Cookbook-Creative-Kosher-Cooking/dp/0973360712  

Ingredients
1 cup of sour cream
1 cup pressed cottage cheese
1/2 cup of pancake mix
2 eggs
2 tbsp. of melted butter
1 chopped onion
1 (8 or 10 oz.) can of sliced mushrooms
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 head of steamed broccoli flowerets (can substitute with one bag of frozen flowerets)
1/2 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
1 large (or 2 medium) firm tomatoes cut into thin rings
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

- Combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, pancake mix, eggs and butter. Blend until smooth.
- Set to the side.
- Sauté the onions and mushrooms in the oil
- Grease the bottom of a lasagna pan with oil and cover the bottom of the pan with the broccoli flowerets.
- Pour half the blended mixture over the broccoli.
- Sprinkle some of the mozzarella cheese over the covered broccoli.
- Add the sautéed onions and mushrooms.
- Pour the other half of the blended mixture on top.
- Add the rest of the mozzarella cheese
- Cover with the sliced tomatoes
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese
- Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Bake for about 40 minutes (until browned).

The question is, why did I post a picture of the soufflé before it was baked; in its raw form?
Simple!
Before baking the soufflé there is still time to make changes. For example, tomatoes are not the most favorite vegetable for my kids. I can easily remove the tomatoes before the soufflé is baked. Similarly, before export, there is time to review any and all regulations to ensure compliance. It will potentially save a company from huge losses and possible criminal charges. Once the declaration is made, the Customs authority can then begin the process to review and notify applicable parties of errors and omissions that can result in seized goods, monetary penalties, criminal proceedings (oh, did I mention criminal charges...) etc.

Here is the end result...
After much debate and a vote, we decided to keep the tomatoes on the soufflé. No one is allergic so the consequences is that my wife and I will have leftovers.

Ingredients are not the only list to look at to ensure a safe food environment for allergies. Similarly, Customs is not the only government agency to communicate with regarding exports.

Make sure to review all ingredients and all aspects of export compliance. It will hopefully assist with avoiding EXPORT ALLERGIES!
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

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