12.04.2025 12:23
Following the rapid spread of foot-and-mouth disease observed in the United States to Europe, the British government has imposed a ban on the import of personal meat and dairy products from European Union countries. According to the new regulation, passengers are prohibited from carrying these products with them, and heavy fines will be imposed in case of violations.
The British government announced that it has expanded the ban on the import of personal meat and dairy products due to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease on the European continent to include all EU countries.
Starting from Saturday, travelers entering the UK will not be able to bring beef, sheep, goat, pork, and dairy products from EU countries for personal use. Food items such as sandwiches, cheese, deli products, raw meats, and milk will be considered prohibited regardless of whether they are packaged or purchased from duty-free shops.
FOOD SAFETY MEASURES FROM THE UK
According to the government, this measure aims to protect the health of British livestock, the safety of farmers, and the food security of the UK. Travelers carrying these items will be required to surrender them at the border; otherwise, they will be confiscated and destroyed. Those who violate this will face a fine of £5,000 ($6,550) in the UK.
SERIOUS THREAT TO ANIMAL HEALTH
Earlier this year, the British government banned the personal import of beef, sheep, other ruminants, as well as pork and dairy products from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria following reported cases of foot-and-mouth disease in those countries. With the new regulation, these restrictions have been expanded to include all EU countries. While it is stated that foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a risk to human health and that there are currently no cases in the UK, it is emphasized that the disease is a highly contagious viral infection for cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, wild boars, deer, llamas, and alpacas. The emergence of the disease in Europe poses a serious threat to farm operations and animal health. The disease can lead to reduced productivity in affected animals and significant economic losses by restricting access to international markets for meat and dairy products.