The UK government’s ban on travellers bringing meat and dairy products from the European Union into the UK has been extended, ministers have confirmed, with the restrictions now set to remain in force until 2026.
The rules mean that border and customs officials are authorised to confiscate and destroy prohibited food items found in passengers’ luggage, even if the goods were purchased legally within the EU.
In some cases, travellers who fail to comply could also face financial penalties, with fines of up to £5,000 applicable in England for serious breaches.
The prohibition applies to all individuals entering Great Britain, including those travelling with major airlines such as Ryanair, Jet2, British Airways, EasyJet and Wizz Air.
Passengers have been urged to carefully inspect their bags before travel, as the ban applies regardless of whether items are wrapped, sealed or bought at duty-free outlets.
The government says the measures are necessary to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), amid a rising number of cases across parts of continental Europe.
Why does the government extended the ban
Foot-and-mouth disease presents no risk to human health, and no cases have been recorded in the UK, but it remains one of the most contagious viral diseases affecting livestock.
The disease impacts cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals, including wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas.
Even a single outbreak can cause severe economic damage, leading to reduced productivity, mass culling and the suspension of international exports of meat and dairy products.
Ministers say the ongoing outbreak risk in Europe continues to pose a significant threat to British agriculture and food security.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that the biosecurity threat remains active, justifying the extension of the ban.
The government has already imposed personal import bans on meat and dairy products from countries including Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria following confirmed FMD outbreaks.
Food items banned from entry into Great Britain
The restrictions apply to all travellers arriving from EU member states, regardless of their country of departure.
Defra has confirmed that the ban covers both raw and processed products, including food intended for personal consumption.
You cannot bring in any of the following:
Cheese and other dairy products such as butter and yoghurt.
Milk, including fresh and packaged milk products.
Pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat and venison.
Products made from these meats, including sausages and cured meats.
Sandwiches containing meat or dairy products.
Raw meat, whether packaged or unpackaged.
The department has stressed that duty-free purchases are not exempt from the rules.
Political scrutiny and limited exemptions
The issue was raised in Parliament by Labour MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, who questioned whether the temporary restrictions would be lifted in light of the World Organisation for Animal Health’s recognition of EU member states as free from foot-and-mouth disease.
Responding on behalf of Defra, Minister of State Dame Angela Eagle confirmed the ban would remain in place while biosecurity risks persist.
She said the measures not only protect against FMD but also reduce the risk of other animal diseases circulating in Europe, including African swine fever, sheep pox, goat pox, peste des petits ruminants and lumpy skin disease.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said the government would “do whatever it takes” to protect British farmers and the nation’s food supply.
He said strengthening controls on personal imports was a necessary step to prevent the spread of disease and safeguard rural livelihoods.
Defra has clarified that limited exemptions remain in place under the rules.
Travellers may still bring small quantities of infant milk, medical foods and certain composite products such as chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta.
Passengers found carrying prohibited items will be required to surrender them at the border or have them seized and destroyed.
Officials have warned that repeated or serious violations could result in enforcement action, including substantial fine