British tourists jetting off to Majorca or other hotspots in the European Union such as Santorini and Venice this summer are being warned that bringing in a classic British sandwich could land them in hot water. Brits travelling to the Balearics or anywhere else in the EU have to watch what food items they take, due to strict rules on meat and dairy imports.
Post-Brexit rules mean the UK is now classed as a non-EU country, and Brits must follow the same strict regulations as all other non-EU visitors. This means some other classic British ingredients are also banned. This includes products containing fresh cream and some of our favourite sweets that are made with gelatine – an animal product.
Those who like to bring a stash of English cheeses like Cornish brie and Wensleydale, will find that these items are also banned.
Brits who buy a bag of clotted cream fudge at airport terminals before take off can also not bring this indulgent snack into the EU.
Other unusual food items that are banned include a jar of Bovril, because it contains gelatine.
Maryanne Sparks, of European Waterways, has issued a stark warning to British travellers: “If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you – this includes those you would find in a meal deal sandwich.”
According to the FCO British Government’s website, personal goods containing meat, milk or their products brought into the EU continue to “present a real threat to animal health throughout the Union”.
It is widely renowned that dangerous pathogens that cause animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease and classical swine fever can reside in meat, milk or their products.
Therefore, pathogens could be introduced into the EU if personal goods containing meat, milk or their products are sent by post or carried in the baggage of travellers arriving from countries outside the EU.
While these restrictions apply to most animal products, there are a few exceptions. Powdered infant milk and baby food are allowed, along with up to 20kg of fish or 2kg of honey, live oysters, mussels, and snails.
