Since April, Defra has banned personal imports of dairy products and certain meats – including pork, lamb, goat, venison, and mutton – from EU countries. The restrictions, which apply to passengers arriving in Great Britain (but not Northern Ireland), are part of a broader strategy to block the entry of diseases such as foot and mouth disease (FMD), African swine fever (ASF), peste des petits ruminants (PPR), and lumpy skin disease (LSD).
The rules cover all food items containing the affected meats or dairy – such as sandwiches, sausages, cheese, yoghurt, butter, salami and pâté – regardless of whether they are sealed, store-bought, or purchased duty-free.
Speaking on the measures, Baroness Hayman, Minister for Biosecurity, said: “Diseases present a potentially catastrophic risk to the UK’s farmers and food supply. This government will always do all it can to stop that from happening.
“Safety sometimes requires sacrifice, and these restrictions are essential for preventing the spread of disease and protecting the country.”
Deputy chief veterinary officer, Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro added: “We extended restrictions on personal food imports from the EU due to increased risk of foot and mouth entering Great Britain.
“These diseases continue to pose a real threat to our food security and economy. I urge all travellers to follow the rules and help us protect UK biosecurity.”
Border Force officers are carrying out checks at UK ports and airports. Any prohibited food products found will be seized and destroyed. Offenders may face fines of up to £5,000 in England or even prosecution.
The rules do not apply to travellers arriving from Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), or the Isle of Man. They also do not affect commercial imports, which remain subject to strict health certification and controls.
Banned products include all dairy and any meat (or meat-based items) made from pork, lamb, goat, venison or mutton from the EU. Items like ham, chorizo, cheese, sausages, pâté, butter, yoghurt, and meat sandwiches are included. The rules apply only to personal imports, and items must be surrendered at the border to avoid fines.
The measures will remain in place until the government determines the risk has dropped to acceptable levels.