Since April 12, those who enter the UK should redouble their attention to what they bring in the luggage, especially after traveling abroad. The rules have become more rigid and non-compliance may result in fines greater than 5,800 euros. These measures were adopted to prevent the spread of diseases and apply to certain food products.
More strict prohibitions to avoid disease
According to the UK’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the decision follows the increase in foot -and -mouth disease in some European regions.
To prevent the spread of this disease, which may severely affect British agriculture, certain personal foods brought in the luggage were prohibited, even if purchased in Duty-free stores, according to HuffPost.
Forbidden products include meat, cheese and other dairy products, as well as raw or healed foods. However, the Defra provides for some restricted exceptions, namely for children’s, medicinal, chocolates, sweets, bread and pasta foods.
High fines for those who do not comply with the rules
Travelers who carry prohibited products must deliver them to the border for destruction, under penalty of a fine.
Failure to deliver or attempt to hide food may result in fines up to 5,000 pounds, which corresponds to more than 5,800 euros.
This regulation applies to all who arrive abroad, including British citizens who return on vacation.
Agriculture Minister Daniel Zeichner said the government is committed to protecting national farmers against external risks. “We are reinforcing the protections to ensure the food security of Britain,” he said.
This measure, as it states, is part of a wider UK policy to control the traffic of personal food products, at a time when the country continues to adjust its rules after Brexit.
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