Brits warned that their duty-free sandwich could land them with a £5,000 fine | Travel News | Travel

Millions of Brits are unknowingly risking £5,000 fines at the UK border, all for trying to bring back holiday snacks. From cheese to airport ham sandwiches, a travel expert warns UK holidaymakers about the temporarily banned items that could lead to huge fines at the border.

An estimated two in five (42%) Brits are heading abroad this year and as many are returning from their summer holidays, some may be tempted to bring back a few tasty souvenirs or snacks picked up on the journey. But travel experts are warning travellers that popular holiday treats such as cheese, cured meats and even sandwiches could now land you with a fine of up to £5,000, as recent, temporary changes to UK border rules tighten around food items brought back from abroad. Since the ban in April this year, there is no official date announced for when the ban will end, so travellers should be cautious about what they pack in their suitcases.

The changes are part of efforts to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease, a highly contagious livestock virus currently causing concern across parts of Europe. Despite being well intentioned, many travellers are still unaware that items bought at airports, local shops or duty free may now be banned at the UK border.

Travel expert Jane Bolton from tailor-made package ski holiday operator, Erna Low, shares what Brits need to know before heading home and how to avoid a costly mistake at the border.

These rules have been put in place to protect the UK farms and livestock from the spread of serious animal diseases, which can be carried into the country via contaminated food products. Even small traces of meat or dairy pose a risk, which is why the rules are now enforced more tightly.

You may think that a wedge of local cheese or a pack of cured meats is a harmless holiday treat, especially if it’s sealed and purchased at a duty-free shop. But under current biosecurity laws, meat and dairy products are banned from being brought into Great Britain from the EU or other restricted regions.

This includes:

• All cheeses soft, hard or processed: Examples include brie and camembert, which are popular French varieties; mozzarella and parmesan, often associated with Italy; and manchego, a traditional Spanish favourite
• All meat products, including cured, cooked or packaged types like salami, pâté, typical in France; chorizo and Jamón from Spain; or parma ham and prosciutto, commonly eaten in Italy
• Milk, yoghurt, butter, cream and other dairy items
• Food items containing meat or dairy like sandwiches, baked goods or salads

How to avoid it:

If in doubt, don’t bring it. The rules apply even if the items are commercially packaged or unopened. You’ll be expected to dispose of banned foods at the border and in some cases, may face fines of up to £5,000 for non-compliance. If you’re unsure, visit the UK Government’s official guidelines before packing.

Grabbing a sandwich, pastry or cheese toastie before your flight might seem like a good idea, but if you don’t finish it before landing, you could be in breach of import rules. Even leftovers in your hand luggage are subject to restrictions.

How to avoid it:

Finish all meat and dairy-based products before you land. Unfinished sandwiches, pastries or yoghurts can be confiscated, even if they were bought at the departure airport.

Thankfully, not everything is off the table. Non-animal products are still permitted in your luggage, so you can safely bring back:

• Chocolate bars
• Bread and bakery items without meat or dairy
• Wine, beer, spirits
• Sweets and confectionery

Double-check ingredients before packing, especially for items with hidden dairy or meat components like sauces or fillings. If you’re unsure whether something contains milk or meat, it’s safer to leave it behind.

If you are not certain an item is allowed, always declare it at customs. Border officials are less likely to fine passengers who declare something in good faith, but hidden or undeclared items could result in confiscation, delays or fines of up to £5,000.

Always check the official list on gov.uk before travelling and declare anything that might be questionable when going through customs.

Ms Bolton said: “It’s completely understandable that people want to bring home a taste of their holiday, but it’s just not worth the risk. If you’re carrying meat, cheese or dairy, even in small amounts, it could cost you a fine or delay at the airport. Enjoy the local food while you’re away and keep your suitcase fine-free on the way home.”