UK Government Extends Airport Food Ban Amid New Greece Outbreak
Officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have issued a critical update regarding travel restrictions, confirming that a ban on passengers bringing food into the UK by air will remain in place. This decision follows the discovery of a new foot and mouth disease outbreak in Greece, heightening biosecurity concerns across Europe.
Strict Border Controls and Fines
Since April of last year, travellers entering the UK have faced stringent measures, with items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, and milk subject to confiscation at the border. Individuals found violating these rules risk fines of up to £5,000, as part of efforts to prevent the spread of animal diseases.
The restrictions were initially implemented in response to a widespread foot and mouth disease outbreak across mainland Europe. Today's announcement reinforces that all food items, including those purchased at duty-free shops, are prohibited from being brought into Great Britain for personal use.
Impact on Greek Imports and Public Awareness
In light of the Greece outbreak, the UK government has applied additional restrictions on certain commercial imports from the country. Specifically, imports of milk, colostrum, and related products like feta and yogurt are only permitted if they have undergone required heat treatment and are accompanied by mandatory health certificates.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss stated, "A case of Foot and Mouth disease has been confirmed in Greece, we are in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation. Robust plans are already in place to minimise the risk of disease incursion to support Britain’s farming community and food security."
She urged livestock keepers to maintain vigilance for signs of disease and report any suspicions immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Parliamentary Concerns and Government Response
Labour MP Ben Goldsborough has raised concerns about public awareness, questioning whether sufficient action is being taken to alert travellers. In a parliamentary written question, he asked Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Emma Reynolds to assess the potential merits of funding public awareness campaigns at airports and ports regarding foot and mouth disease and African swine fever.
DEFRA minister Dame Angela Eagle responded, outlining comprehensive measures to publicise the prohibition. "Biosecurity is a priority for this Government. To protect UK farmers and animals from serious diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever, we used the Christmas period as an opportunity to remind the public about the personal imports ban," she said.
Dame Angela added that over 90% of survey respondents are aware of the rules, and decisions on funding paid campaigns will be based on threat levels, evidence of effectiveness, and available resources to maximise impact on UK biosecurity.
All travellers are strongly advised to ensure they are not bringing prohibited products into the country, as the ban continues indefinitely in response to the ongoing disease threats.
