Following a rise in the number of cases of foot and mouth disease (FMD) across Europe, The British Government have taken a number of measures (introduced Saturday 12th April) to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security.
It will be illegal for travellers from all EU countries to bring items like Sandwiches, Cheese, Cured Meats, Raw Meats or Milk into Britain. This is regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.
Travellers will no longer be able to bring cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use.
Those found with these items will need to either surrender them at the border or will have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England.
Useful Links:
- Detailed information is available for the public which sets out a limited set of exemptions from these rules here. https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain
- If you are an animal keeper, read about how to spot foot and mouth disease and report it: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foot-and-mouth-disease
- If you’re an importer or exporter, read about the import restrictions for foot and mouth disease: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/imports-and-exports-of-animals-and-animal-products-topical-issues
- For more information, visit the import, export pages for EU trade.