The latest move by the UK government aims to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease by temporarily banning holidaymakers from bringing cheese and meat products from the EU. This restriction applies to items such as cured meat and cheese, regardless of whether they are packed, packaged, or purchased from duty-free shops. The ban was put in place following a growing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the continent, with similar products from certain countries already restricted.
Travellers arriving in Great Britain are subject to these restrictions, while those arriving in Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man are exempt. Anyone caught trying to bring in prohibited products will have them seized and destroyed, and may face fines of up to £5,000 in serious cases. The list of banned items includes various types of meat such as pork, beef, lamb, mutton, and others, as well as dairy products like butter, cheese, and yoghurt. However, exceptions are made for powdered infant milk, infant food, and medically necessary special food, with a limit of 2kg per person.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious virus that affects animals by causing blisters in their mouths and hooves, leading to issues with feeding and mobility. Although there are currently no cases of the disease in the UK, the potential consequences of an outbreak were highlighted by the 2001 incident when millions of livestock were slaughtered. The National Farmers Union has praised the government’s swift action in implementing the ban, emphasizing the importance of strict border controls to prevent the disease’s spread. Additionally, the Guild of Fine Food supports the protection of farmers and the need for biosecurity measures while expressing concerns about the bureaucratic challenges faced by small food and drink importers post-Brexit
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