UK – The UK government has begun implementing temporary rules that prevent holidaymakers from bringing meat and dairy products into Great Britain from the European Union.
The restrictions are aimed at curbing the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a contagious virus that affects livestock.
Under the new measures, travellers are barred from carrying items such as cheese, yoghurt, sausages, ham, and sandwiches, even if the goods are sealed or bought from duty-free shops.
Confiscated products will be destroyed, and individuals who break the rules could be fined up to US$6,200 (approx. £5,000).
FMD does not pose any risk to human health, but it causes painful symptoms in animals and leads to significant losses in meat and milk production.
Although no cases have been reported in the UK, outbreaks in several parts of Europe have prompted tighter biosecurity controls at UK borders.
Authorities say the temporary import ban is limited to personal meat and dairy products from the EU and does not apply to travellers from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.
There are a few exceptions, including powdered infant formula, baby food, and certain medical nutrition products, which remain allowed under the new policy.
Earlier this year, the UK had already suspended personal imports of animals and dairy goods from Germany, Hungary, Austria and Slovakia following confirmed FMD cases in those countries.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said the action is intended to shield the country’s farming industry from a potential outbreak that could harm food supplies.
The UK’s last major FMD outbreak occurred in 2001 and led to the culling of over six million animals, despite just 2,000 confirmed cases.
A smaller outbreak in 2007 was contained quickly, with limited impact.
Germany Sees Partial Reopening for Exports
Meanwhile, the UK recently lifted a separate set of import restrictions on German meat and dairy products that had been in place since January.
On March 24, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that goods from Germany, excluding a designated containment zone, are now permitted to enter the UK.
This follows the World Organisation for Animal Health’s decision on March 12 to restore FMD-free status to most of Germany.
The containment zone, which remains under restriction, is expected to retain its limited export status until at least April 11, 2025.
While China and Malaysia have already resumed imports from Germany, countries like Ireland and South Korea have not yet updated their policies.
Defra said its decision was based on a detailed review of Germany’s disease management and updated outbreak reports.
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