Cured meats like prosciutto are now banned from being brought into the UK by travellers from the EU, under new rules to stop the spread of foot and mouth disease.Credit : Shutterstock, Baloncici
Travellers heading back to the UK from Europe might want to double-check their picnic bags. Starting this Saturday, 12 April, the government is enforcing a stricter ban on bringing meat and dairy into Britain from any EU country, in an urgent move to keep foot and mouth disease (FMD) off British soil.
This means no more bringing home cheese, ham, cured sausages or even that innocent-looking sandwich bought at a service station in France. It doesn’t matter if it’s packed, sealed, or bought from duty free — if it contains meat or dairy, it won’t be allowed past the border.
The decision follows a worrying rise in FMD outbreaks on the continent. Although the UK remains free of the disease for now, ministers say they’re not taking any chances.
A strong warning from ministers and vets
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner didn’t mince his words. “We’ll do whatever it takes to protect British farmers,” he said, calling the move a necessary step to defend both food security and the rural economy.
His message was echoed by Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro, the UK’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, who warned that the disease is spreading in parts of Europe, raising the risk of it reaching Britain.
So far this year, countries like Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria have all reported cases. And with foot and mouth being one of the most contagious livestock diseases out there, it’s easy to see why the UK is now expanding the ban to cover the whole EU.
While FMD poses no threat to humans, it can devastate farms. The virus spreads fast among animals like cattle, pigs and sheep — and an outbreak could bring exports to a standstill, wiping out livelihoods overnight.
Bringing food from the EU? You could face a £5,000 fine
The new rules are aimed at holidaymakers and travellers, and the message is clear: don’t pack meat or dairy, or expect it to be confiscated at the border. If you’re caught with restricted items, you could face on-the-spot seizures — and in more serious cases, fines of up to £5,000 in England.
Some exemptions still apply, such as small amounts of infant formula or foods used for medical reasons, but the list is short — and the rules are now much tighter than before.
Officials say these measures are part of a wider biosecurity effort that includes strong contingency plans already in place for UK farms. But they’re also relying on public awareness. Travellers are being urged to take the rules seriously, especially over the Easter period, when cross-border travel picks up.
“Even something as small as a cheese sandwich can pose a risk,” said Zeichner. “We all have a role to play in protecting the health of our countryside.”
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