The United Kingdom has expanded its ban on personal imports of meat and dairy products to cover all European Union nations, citing the ongoing spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) throughout the continent.
From Saturday, the UK has prohibited travelers from the EU from bringing cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, along with dairy products, into the country for personal use. The measure aims to safeguard the health of British livestock, ensure farmers’ security, and protect the nation’s food supply.
The ban covers items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, and milk, regardless of whether such items are packed, unpacked, or purchased at duty-free shops.
The declaration was made by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, led by Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner.
The latest measure follows an earlier ban introduced this year, which restricted personal imports of meat and dairy products from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria—countries that had reported outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease.
The new rules exclusively apply to travelers entering Britain, while personal imports to Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man remain exempt from the restrictions.
Exceptions to the rules include restricted quantities of infant milk, medical foods, and specific composite items like chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits, and pasta.
Authorities have stated that restricted items discovered at the border will be seized and disposed of. For severe violations, individuals in England may incur fines as high as £5,000.
An outbreak could result in substantial economic damage, including reduced productivity and restrictions on the export of meat and dairy products to international markets. The UK Farming Minister David Zeichner underlined the government’s determination to protect British farmers by enforcing stricter personal meat and dairy import rules to combat foot-and-mouth disease and safeguard the nation’s food security.
National Farmers Union President Tom Bradshaw also stressed the importance of implementing stricter border controls, as the source of foot-and-mouth disease in parts of Europe remains unknown.
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