Holidaymakers returning to the UK face fines of up to £5,000 for bringing five specific items into the country, even if purchased from duty-free shops. The new rules, introduced last month, ban personal imports of sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, and milk from EU nations into Great Britain.
The measures are a response to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Europe, which has been detected in Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. The disease poses no risk to humans but is highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs.
Border officials have the authority to seize and destroy any prohibited items. In serious cases, travellers risk fines of up to £5,000 in England. The restrictions apply to all personal imports, regardless of packaging, and cover items bought at duty-free shops.
Exemptions include small quantities of infant milk, medical foods, and certain composite products like chocolate, bread, cakes, biscuits, and pasta. The rules do not apply to travellers arriving from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner stated: 'This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth.' UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro urged livestock keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and report suspicions immediately.
