A woman in the US claims she is facing a fine of US$500 (approximately AU$657) for taking an apple off a Delta Air Lines flight.
Colorado woman Crystal Tadlock, who was travelling from Paris to the US, said she decided to save the apple for the final leg of her trip to Denver.
But a US border official intervened after her flight landed in Minneapolis, fining her for failing to declare the fruit.
"He had asked me if my trip to France was expensive and I said 'well, yeah'," Ms Tadlock told US television station KDVR-TV.
"I didn't understand why he was asking that question and he said 'well, it's about to get a whole lot more expensive after I charge you 500 dollars."
Ms Tadlock said the apple came in a plastic bag which she placed in her carry-on.
Ms Tadlock said she understood the Department of Agriculture didn't want to risk insects and disease getting into the country, but she said the fine was unnecessary.
"It's real unfortunate that someone has to go through that and be treated like a criminal over a piece of fruit," Ms Tadlock said.
On Twitter, Ms Tadlock said she was not hungry and consuming the apple would have been "binge eating".
Delta said it recommends all passengers comply with Customs regulations and snacks given out on the plane are meant to be consumed before landing.
Customs declaration forms ask passengers if they are bringing any fruits or vegetables into the country.
A spokesperson for Delta told CBS Denver: "We encourage our customers to follow US Customs and Border Protection protocols".
"The apple in question was part of an in-flight meal meant to be consumed on the aircraft."
Ms Tadlock said she intends to challenge the fine in court.
