News

Health & Safety Update (November 2009)

Travellers urged to check food rules

The Government is urging people travelling abroad to check the rules in order to ascertain what foods they are and are not entitled to bring back into the UK when journeying outside the European Union (EU). It is warning them that although they might enjoy delicacies such as halloumi cheese, shin chan and ghee whilst on holiday, bringing them back to the UK could constitute a disease risk. Many of these foods are legally available in the UK anyway, meaning that importing them illegally represents a doubly unnecessary risk.
A 'Don't bring it back' campaign has been initiated by the Government, with the objective of raising awareness amongst those travelling outside the EU of the potential risks of disease (such as Bird Flu and Foot and Mouth) associated with bringing certain foods back into the country. The initiative has been prompted by research which indicated that 1 in 5 Britons was unaware that there were any restrictions on food items. Furthermore, 1 in 3 of those surveyed did not regard food restrictions as that important.
The other point being made is that, besides reducing the risk of disease, sticking to the food restriction rules will also mean that people can avoid being searched by Border Force Officers, as well as avoiding a possible prosecution. Last year, approximately 85 tonnes of illegal animal products were seized from travellers. Food products, such as meat, dairy produce, fish (including shellfish) and honey were a major part of this seizure. Many of the travellers concerned were either unaware of the rules or were confused over the differences between what represents a permissible import from outside or inside the EU.
Travellers are advised to remember the following:

  • there are strict rules governing what foods can be brought back into the UK from outside the EU
  • all meat and dairy products are banned.  There are also restrictions on foodstuffs like fish, shellfish, honey, and some fruits and vegetables
  • use the 'Can I bring it back?' food checker (www.direct.gov.uk/dontbringmeback) before travelling, in order to find out which products you are and are not entitled to bring back from destinations outside the EU.