UK officials have confirmed that restrictions on passengers bringing food into the country by air will remain in place after a new outbreak of foot and mouth disease was discovered in Greece. Since April last year, travellers risk having items confiscated at the UK border and could face fines of up to £5,000.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has prohibited items including sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats and milk from being brought into Great Britain. The latest news from Greece means the ban on all food items, including those bought at duty free, will continue.
DEFRA minister Dame Angela Eagle outlined the measures taken to publicise the prohibition, stating: “Biosecurity is a priority for this Government. To protect UK farmers and animals from serious diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever, we used the Christmas period as an opportunity to remind the public about the personal imports ban.” She added that over 90% of respondents in a survey were aware of the rules.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said: “A case of Foot and Mouth disease has been confirmed in Greece, we are in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation. Robust plans are already in place to minimise the risk of disease incursion to support Britain’s farming community and food security.”
Labour MP Ben Goldsborough raised concerns in a parliamentary written question about whether sufficient action is being taken to alert the public, asking about funding awareness campaigns. Dame Angela responded that any decisions on funding would be based on the current threat level, evidence of effectiveness and available resources.
Commercial imports of milk, colostrum and their products, including feta and yoghurt, are only permitted where the products have undergone required heat treatment and are accompanied by a mandatory health certificate. Travellers are banned from bringing cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use.
