The UK has temporarily banned travelers from bringing meat and dairy products from EU countries into Great Britain to prevent the potential spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The restrictions, which took effect immediately, apply to all personal imports including cured meats, cheeses, and even pre-made sandwiches containing these ingredients – regardless of packaging or whether purchased duty-free.
The move follows similar bans already in place for Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria due to rising FMD cases in those nations. While the disease doesn’t affect humans, authorities warn contaminated food waste could infect UK livestock if discarded improperly and consumed by animals.
Under the new rules:
- All prohibited products will be seized and destroyed at entry points
- Violators face potential fines up to £5,000 for serious breaches
- Small quantities (under 2kg) of infant formula and medically-required foods are exempt
The restrictions apply only to Great Britain, with Northern Ireland and Crown Dependencies following different import rules. Officials emphasize there are currently no FMD cases in the UK, calling the ban a precautionary measure to protect the nation’s agricultural industry.
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