Travelers entering the UK from the EU recall that strict restrictions remain on bringing in meat and dairy products as the government moves to prevent spreading of serious animal diseases.
The rules introduced in April are meat from all personal imports and blocks of dairy products such as dairy products, pork, goats, venison and other selected meats.
The purpose of this movement is to stop the introduction of foot and mouth diseases (FMD), African pig fever (ASF), plague deptis antiminants (PPR), and rugged skin diseases (LSD).
The restrictions apply only to travelers arriving in GB (not Northern Ireland) and include all products including prohibited meat and dairy products.
Defra said the measure is essential to protecting UK biosecurity, especially as millions of people head abroad during the summer holidays.
BioSecurity Minister Barones Heyman said: “The disease poses a potentially catastrophic risk to UK farmers and food supplies, and this government will always do everything it can to stop it.
“We have imposed restrictions on individual meat and dairy imports, as safety can require sacrifices. These are essential to prevent spreading disease and protecting the country.”
Dr. Jorge Martin Almagro, Associate Veterinary Officer in the UK, added:
“The feet and mouth, along with the antiminants of African pig fever and Pestedeptish, continue to pose significant risks to the UK’s food security and economy.
“I urge all travelers to follow the latest rules to maintain UK biosecurity and prevent the dire invasion of disease.”
Border force officers are making checks for travelers at ports and airports, and any prohibited products found will be seized and destroyed.
Anyone attempting to bring in prohibited items will be fined or charged in the UK of up to £5,000.
This rule does not apply to travelers entering the UK from Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or Human Islands. It also does not affect commercial imports that require strict health certifications and treatment standards to be met.
The government says the measure will remain until the risk from the affected products reaches an acceptable level.
Travelers need to know
•Prohibited items include pork, lamb, goats, venison, and all dairy, meat or meat-based products made from the EU.
• These include popular items such as cheese, chorizo, yogurt, ham, butter, sausages, and meat sandwiches.
•The prohibition applies only to personal imports, not commercial trade.
• Items must either surrender at the border or risk fines or confiscation.
•The prohibition does not apply to travelers from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or Human Island.
Foot and mouth diseases are highly contagious viruses that affect thin animals such as cows, sheep and pigs.
It is not dangerous to humans, but it survives for months with meat and dairy products, spreading easily through contaminated items and travelers.
The outbreak could be devastating for the UK’s agricultural sector. The 2001 FMD crisis caused over 6 million animals to steal culls, and is estimated to amount to the UK economy to £15 billion of today’s money.
Current government risk assessments could result in the FMD entering “Medium” in the UK.
