Brits returning from European Union countries could face fines up to £5,000 or prosecution for bringing certain foods like cheese, meat, or dairy products into the UK without declaring them. Many holidaymakers are unaware of the restrictions, which were introduced last April to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease.
What foods are banned?
The ban applies to personal imports of meat and dairy products from EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland. This includes cheese, milk, butter, yoghurt, pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat, venison, and products made from these meats, such as sausages.
However, travellers can bring fish, poultry like chicken, duck, or goose, and animal products such as eggs and honey from these countries. Up to 2kg per person of powdered infant milk, infant food, or special medical food is allowed, provided it doesn't need refrigeration and is in branded, unopened packaging.
Stricter rules outside the EU
For those arriving from countries outside the EU, the rules are even stricter. No meat or milk products are allowed, except for powdered milk or special medical food. Travellers can bring up to 2kg of honey, a limited number of animal products, or 20kg of fish and seafood per person.
The Gov.UK website clarifies: "The rules on bringing meat, dairy, fish and other animal products depend on the country you’re bringing it from."
Why the ban?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) stated: "The Government has taken measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) following a rising number of cases across Europe." The ban includes sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk, regardless of packaging or duty-free purchase.
Defra added: "Whilst FMD poses no risk to humans and there are no cases in the UK, it is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas, and the outbreak on the continent presents a significant risk to farm businesses and livestock."
