Luton Airport Issues Alert Over Illegal Souvenirs
London Luton Airport has issued a social media warning for travellers returning to Great Britain, cautioning that some may be unknowingly carrying souvenirs and holiday gifts that are actually illegal to have in their luggage. The alert specifically flagged four types of meat and meat-related products as restricted due to the risk of contagious animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease, which can survive in the meat and bones of deceased animals for considerable periods.
Banned Items from the EU
According to official Government rules, travellers coming back from the EU cannot bring cheese, milk and dairy products like butter and yoghurt, as well as pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat, venison, and other products made from these meats, for example sausages. However, certain fish, poultry or other animal products such as eggs or honey are permitted provided they are for personal use. Powdered milk and specialist foods required for medical reasons may also be allowed under specific conditions, such as being in unopened and branded packaging.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Travellers who breach these rules and attempt to bring back banned food products can declare them to Border Force officers at customs, who will confiscate the items for destruction. Failing to declare banned food products could result in a fine of up to £5,000 in England, or even potential prosecution, according to Government guidance. Border Force officers are also allowed to take away products if they believe you have brought them into the country illegally, you have too much of a restricted product, or it has been cross-contaminated.
The guidance adds: "If you're not sure about any of the products you're bringing in, speak to a Border Force officer in the 'red channel' at customs or on the red point phone." Different rules apply if you're travelling to Great Britain from a country outside of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, or if you are arriving in Northern Ireland.
Unrestricted Items
The following items can be brought into Great Britain without any restrictions: bread (but not sandwiches filled with meat or dairy products), cakes without fresh cream, biscuits, chocolate and confectionery (but not those made with a lot of unprocessed dairy ingredients), pasta and noodles (but not if mixed or filled with meat or meat products), packaged soup, stocks and flavourings, processed and packaged plant products such as packaged salads and frozen plant material, and food supplements containing small amounts of an animal product, such as fish oil capsules. A full list of other restricted and banned items stemming from different countries can be found on the Gov.uk website.
