The UK government has implemented a new ban on bringing meat and dairy products for personal use from the EU and surrounding regions, effective from 12 April 2025. This measure, announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), aims to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) following a rise in cases across Europe.
A Strict New Rule for Travellers
Under the new regulations, travellers arriving in Great Britain are prohibited from bringing in meat and dairy items—even packaged goods or store-bought products—from:
- The European Union
- European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States
- The Faroe Islands
- Greenland
This includes all products from cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, deer, and camelids. Even items like ham and cheese sandwiches may be confiscated by customs officials, as reported by The Guardian.
Exceptions to the Rule
Certain products remain exempt from the restrictions, including:
- Infant milk and baby food
- Medical dietary foods
- Some composite products like chocolate, bread, cakes, biscuits, and pasta
Travellers found violating the new rules could face fines up to £5,000 and have the items confiscated at the border.
Preventing a Livestock Crisis
While foot-and-mouth disease does not affect humans, it poses a severe threat to livestock and can cause major economic damage due to trade bans and animal losses. The UK has not recorded a case of FMD since 2007, but the resurgence in Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria earlier in 2025 prompted preemptive action.
The restrictions are part of a wider set of import controls, which also include bans on:
- Fresh and unprocessed meat
- Animal by-products (e.g., pet food)
- Hay, straw, germplasm, and susceptible live animals
It’s important to note that these rules apply to Great Britain only and do not include Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
Government and Industry Support Strong Measures
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner underscored the need for tough biosecurity laws:
“This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot & mouth… and protect Britain’s food security.”
To bolster these efforts, the UK has invested £45.6 million in advanced agricultural technologies aimed at boosting farm productivity and environmental sustainability.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has welcomed the move, but President Tom Bradshaw stressed the need for lasting protection:
“It’s imperative we have a comprehensive cross-government biosecurity plan… and place these restrictions on a permanent legislative footing.”
Travellers Urged to Check Guidelines
With hundreds of thousands of British tourists expected to travel to mainland Europe during Easter and the summer season, authorities are urging people to review official guidelines before returning with any food products. This precaution will help avoid fines and reduce the risk of spreading FMD to the UK’s livestock population.
