Holidaymakers Warned of Hand Luggage Restrictions Beginning This Week
In light of new regulations set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), UK travellers are urged to be mindful of their hand luggage contents as they now face restrictions on certain food items when traveling to and from the UK. These measures have been implemented to prevent the potential spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) from European countries, where cases have been on the rise.
Effective immediately, passengers traveling to Great Britain are prohibited from bringing in cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products for personal use from EU countries. This initiative aims to safeguard the health of British livestock, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and ensure the nation’s food security by mitigating the risks associated with FMD.
The ban encompasses a wide range of food items commonly found in travellers’ luggage, including sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, and milk, regardless of their packaging or duty-free status. DEFRA officials have clarified that while FMD poses no direct threat to human health, it is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals.
Despite the absence of reported cases in the UK, the recent surge in FMD cases across Europe has prompted immediate action. The potential economic impact of FMD includes production shortfalls in affected animals and restrictions on foreign market access for meat and dairy products. Consequently, personal imports of specific products from countries like Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria have been temporarily suspended.
Notably, the new restrictions exclusively apply to travellers entering Great Britain, with exemptions made for imports from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man. The UK government has reassured its commitment to protecting farmers from the risks associated with foot and mouth disease and ensuring the nation’s food security amidst these challenges.
Dr. Jorge Martin-Almagro, the UK deputy chief veterinary officer for international and trade affairs, emphasised the importance of these biosecurity measures and existing contingency plans to manage the risk of disease incursion. Livestock keepers are urged to remain vigilant, maintain strict biosecurity measures, and promptly report any signs of disease to the relevant authorities.
Individuals found in possession of prohibited items at the border will be required to surrender them or risk facing confiscation and disposal procedures. Non-compliance with the regulations could result in fines of up to £5,000 in England. These stringent protocols aim to uphold the integrity of UK biosecurity standards and protect the nation’s agricultural sector from potential threats.
As travellers adjust to these new regulations, it is essential to stay informed about the exceptions to the restrictions. Small quantities of infant milk, medical foods, as well as specific composite products like chocolate, sweets, bread, cakes, biscuits, and pasta are among the permitted items. By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can contribute to safeguarding the UK’s agricultural industry and maintaining food safety standards during these challenging times.