The new rules came into force last monthHolidaymakers buying duty free(Image: John Harper via Getty Images)

Holidaymakers have been issued a stern warning regarding potential fines of up to £5,000 for bringing certain items through customs – including goods bought at duty-free shops. The UK government reinforced stringent regulations last month in light of a serious disease outbreak in Europe.

Travellers arriving from destinations such as Spain, France, Italy, and Greece need to make sure their baggage doesn’t contain any banned items. Authorities are now conducting border checks for anyone found with prohibited products like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk.

It’s against the law for individuals entering Great Britain from any EU country to transport these specific items, independent of their packaging or whether they were purchased duty-free. Officials have warned that anyone caught in possession of these goods will face having to surrender them at the border or see them confiscated and destroyed, according to Bristol Live.

An official commented: “In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England.”

The Government’s measures aim to curb the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD), given the surge in incidences across the continent, reports the Daily Record.

In an effort to protect British agriculture, animals, and food security, anyone travelling from EU nations to Great Britain is forbidden from carrying meat or dairy products from cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs for personal consumption.

Officials have emphasised that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) does not pose a risk to human health, whilst confirming there are zero instances of FMD within the UK at present. Nevertheless, it’s a highly infectious viral illness that affects cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas.

There’s considerable concern over the disease outbreak overseas, posing a serious threat to farm businesses and livestock in the UK. FMD is notorious for causing major economic disruption due to production deficits in the afflicted animals and hindering access to international markets for animals, meat, and dairy products.

Following confirmed FMD outbreaks in Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria earlier this year, the Government has barred personal imports of cattle, sheep and other ruminants, along with pig meat and dairy goods, from these nations. The incoming regulations affect travellers landing in Great Britain only, exempting personal imports that originate from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

In his official statement, Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner declared: “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.”

Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro, UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs, has declared: “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.”

There are certain specific exemptions to these rules.

For example, a limited quantity of infant milk, medical foods, and some composite products such as chocolate, sweets, bread, cakes, biscuits, and pasta will still be allowed.

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(Image: John Harper via Getty Images)