Warning to UK travellers as Christmas Meal Deals could lead to ‘hefty’ | UK | News
It has been revealed that British passengers traveling to the EU face heavy fines if they carry meat or dairy products in their luggage. Even a simple meal deal could violate strict biosecurity rules. If you’re traveling within the European Union, you can carry meat or dairy products for personal consumption, but this exception does not apply when traveling from the UK and so travel expert group European Waterways has warned that it does not cover the sandwich in a meal pack.
Failure to comply with these rules may result in your food being confiscated and possibly hefty fines; so it’s worth checking before packing up that festive sandwich. European Waterways travel expert Maryanne Sparkes said: “If you’re traveling to the EU from a non-EU country, you’re not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you – this includes items you’ll find on dinner sandwiches.
“These sandwiches are safe to consume at the airport and on the plane, but they must be thrown away either before getting off the plane or as soon as you enter the terminal on the opposite side.
“To avoid fines or possible criminal prosecution, ensure that no meat or dairy products are transported into the EU.
“But you can bring a limited amount of fruit and vegetables, as well as eggs, egg products and honey.
“Limited quantities of fish or fish products are valid as long as their weight does not exceed 20 kilograms (kg) or the equivalent weight of a whole fish, whichever is heavier.”
Travelers bringing food into the UK also face strict restrictions. The aim of this temporary restriction is to help stop the spread of foot and mouth disease after recent outbreaks in Europe.
Border Force officers can seize undeclared items, which could be destroyed, and offenders face fines of up to £5,000 or even criminal prosecution in the most serious cases.
Exceptions apply for small quantities of infant milk powder, infant formula, medical foods, and some pet foods, provided they are commercially packaged and unopened.
You can bring fish, poultry and other animal products like eggs and honey from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Faroe Islands and Greenland, but travelers cannot bring any products made from these meats, such as pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat, venison or sausages.
You can bring up to 2kg of powdered baby milk, baby formula or special food needed for medical reasons per person, and the same goes for special pet food needed for medical reasons.
Restrictions are even stricter for travelers from non-EU countries and relevant regions. Meat and dairy products are prohibited, but small amounts of honey, baby milk powder, shellfish, snails, frog legs and insect meat can be brought in, up to 2kg per person, and a total of up to 20kg of fish per person is permitted.
Any restricted items must be disposed of appropriately to avoid fines or possible investigation.
