The government has introduced tough new rules earlier this year as a result of an outbreak of a serious disease across Europe, which means that anyone returning from affected areas must ensure they are not carrying any banned items in their luggage
People coming back to the UK from holidays in Europe have been banned from bringing a number of items in due to new laws(Image: Getty)
Holidaymakers have been warned they could be hit with fines reaching £5,000 for trying to bring five particular items through customs – even if they bought them from duty-free stores. The government brought in strict new rules earlier this year to tackle an outbreak of a serious disease spreading across Europe. This means that anyone coming back from affected regions such as Spain, France, Italy and Greece must make sure they don’t have any prohibited items in their luggage. A foot and mouth disease warning was issued to Welsh farmers earlier this year.
The current restrictions mean that anyone found carrying items including sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into the country will be stopped at the border. It remains forbidden for travellers from all EU countries entering Great Britain to bring items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into the country.
This applies regardless of whether the products are wrapped or packaged, or whether they were bought at duty-free shops.
Officials said that those caught with these products will be required to either surrender them at the border or have them seized and destroyed, reports Bristol Live.
In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000.
The government has put measures in place to stop the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) following a rising number of cases throughout Europe. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here
Travellers are barred from bringing in meat from cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use.
This is to safeguard the health of British livestock, the livelihoods of farmers, and the UK’s food security. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) poses no threat to humans, but it is a highly infectious viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas.
Despite there being no current cases, the outbreak on the continent presents a significant risk to farm businesses and livestock in the UK.
The disease can cause substantial economic losses due to production shortfalls in the affected animals, as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and dairy.
In response to confirmed outbreaks of FMD in Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria earlier this year, the Government has already prohibited personal imports of cattle, sheep and other ruminants and pig meat as well as dairy products from these countries.
The new restrictions apply only to travellers arriving in Great Britain, and will not be imposed on personal imports arriving from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner stated at the launch: “This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth.
“That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain’s food security
UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro said: “Following the detection of foot and mouth disease in EU countries resulting in a rising risk of introduction into Great Britain, we have extended restrictions on the personal imports of food products that pose a risk in FMD transmission.
“Robust contingency plans are already in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain’s food security. This biosecurity measure combined with all others we have implemented are critical to limit the risk of FMD incursion.
“I would urge livestock keepers to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, ensure scrupulous biosecurity is maintained and to report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”
However, certain exemptions to these regulations remain in effect. Small quantities of baby formula, medicinal foods and specific composite items such as chocolate, sweets, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta are still permitted.