People taking snacks onto aircraft in hand luggage 'could face £5,000 fines' over EU travel rule
People taking snacks onto aircraft in hand luggage 'could face £5,000 fines' over EU travel rule
Even food bought at the airport will fall foul of the rules from destinations such as Spain, Greece, Turkey and France.
Anyone entering the UK is banned from taking foods from the EU into the country - with possible fines
(Image: Getty Images )
Travellers have been warned that taking snacks through customs - even bought at the airport - could see them confiscated and fines imposed. A ban is currently in place for anyone coming back to the UK from Europe - including hotspot countries like Spain, Greece, Turkey and France.
It's unlawful for travellers entering Great Britain from any EU country to carry the likes of sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk. So picking up a sarnie at the airport in Spain and trying to take it back to the UK could get you in trouble, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has said.
The new laws which were introduced this year are still in place, officials have confirmed, as the holiday season really starts to get underway as June arrives. Current rules enforce that anyone caught importing items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk into Great Britain will face enforcement actions at customs.
Border officials will be on the lookout for contraband food items, with those caught having to either give them up or watch as they're confiscated and disposed of. Officials warn, 'In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England.'
With foot and mouth disease (FMD) case numbers on the rise across Europe, the UK Government has introduced bans to curb the spread. The prohibition, aimed to protect domestic animal health, farmer livelihoods and UK food security, applies to importing meat and dairy products from cows, sheep, goats, and pigs from the EU for personal use.
Officials have confirmed that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) poses no risk to humans, and there are currently no cases in the UK. However, it is a highly infectious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas.
Article continues below
The outbreak on the continent presents a significant risk to farm businesses and livestock. FMD can cause substantial economic losses due to production shortfalls in the affected animals, as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and dairy. In response to confirmed outbreaks of FMD in Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria earlier this year, the Government has already prohibited personal imports of cattle, sheep and other ruminants and pig meat as well as dairy products from these countries.
The new restrictions apply solely to travellers arriving in Great Britain, and will not be imposed on personal imports arriving from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner stated at the launch: 'This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth. That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain's food security.UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro said: '.
Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro, UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs, has issued a warning: 'Following the detection of foot and mouth disease in EU countries resulting in a rising risk of introduction into Great Britain, we have extended restrictions on the personal imports of food products that pose a risk in FMD transmission.'
He further emphasised the Government's readiness by stating: 'Robust contingency plans are already in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain's food security. This biosecurity measure combined with all others we have implemented are critical to limit the risk of FMD incursion. I would urge livestock keepers to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, ensure scrupulous biosecurity is maintained and to report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.'
The restrictions have exceptions, however, as Dr Martin-Almagro explains: 'A limited set of exemptions from these rules in place. For example, a limited amount of infant milk, medical foods and certain composite products like chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta continue to be allowed.'
Article continues below
For more information click here..
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Ferries cancelled from Holyhead to Dublin amid bad weather
Ferries cancelled from Holyhead to Dublin amid bad weather Adverse weather is causing disruption to sailings between Wales and Ireland Holyhead to Dublin sailings have been cancelled by Irish Ferries (Image: Getty Images ) Ferries are being cancelled from Holyhead to Dublin due to adverse weather. Irish Ferries has told its passengers of disruption to services on Monday. Its 10.45am and 4.50pm sailings have been cancelled. Sailings are also being cancelled in the opposite direction from Dublin to Holyhead, including the scheduled 7.35am and 1.55pm departures. Its website reads: "Irish Ferries regrets to advise that the 10.45am Holyhead to Dublin Dublin Swift sailing on June 23 is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. If you wish, you can be accommodated on our 7am or 1.05pm sailings instead. Please check in at least 30 minutes prior to the sailing departure time. "If you are happy to sail on the above alternative sailing(s), there is no need to contact us. However if you would like to contact us, please see the following information that will help you." Concerning the later cancellation, its website adds: "Irish Ferries regrets to advise that the 4.50pm Holyhead to Dublin, Dublin Swift sailing on June 23 has now been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. "Car passengers can be accommodated on our 1.05pm or 7.30pm cruise ferry sailings instead. "Foot passenger can be accommodated on our earlier 1.05pm or later 1.30am Ulysses sailing instead. "Please check in at least 30 minutes prior to the sailing departure time." Article continues below If you are affected, you can e-mail info@ or call 03717 300 400 / 0044 3717 300 400.
Glasgow Times
3 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Warning issued to Brits with GHIC or EHIC amid expiry dates
The EHIC was replaced by the GHIC but are still in use with some Brits still having valid ones. GHIC and EHIC cards allow you to receive state healthcare in another country (in the European Economic Area – EAA) 'on the same basis as a resident in that country', the NHS explains. But, before you travel, you'll need to make sure your GHIC or EHIC is still valid and if not, it will need to be renewed so you can use it if needed. Warning issued to everyone with a GHIC or EHIC Nearly two million UK-issued EHIC and GHIC health cards will expire in 2025, putting travellers at risk of losing access to free or reduced-cost emergency healthcare when visiting Europe. The importance of these cards is also underlined in new NHS data shared with travel insurance provider Holidaysafe. It reveals that the UK has spent more than £800 million since 2016 to cover the cost of medical treatment for UK travellers abroad. The new figures were obtained by Holidaysafe following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The data from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) shows that 1,960,640 health cards, including European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs), Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) and UK EHICs issued under the Withdrawal Agreement, will expire this year. If you didn't know, your entitlement to UK Global Health Insurance GHIC is still valid in the EU/Switzerland. Europe is Europe. Not everything can be taken away after #Brexit. Renew if expired. It's still free of charge. Just renewed mine. Only EU colours & sign no longer exist. — 🇬🇳🇬🇧 Alhoussein Fadiga #Peace&Love (@kipe76) January 11, 2025 'Many people don't even realise their card is expiring,' said Amber Moon, Holidaysafe Brand Manager. She added: 'You could end up facing a bill of hundreds or even thousands of pounds for treatment that would otherwise have been covered. Renewing your GHIC is free and takes just minutes via the official NHS website. 'Having valid travel insurance and a GHIC or EHIC card can help you access emergency medical treatment and avoid unexpected costs if you fall ill or have an accident abroad. However, it's important to check what your travel insurance policy covers.' Under reciprocal healthcare agreements, the UK government covers the cost of treatment abroad when a valid GHIC or EHIC is presented for medical care. Can you still use a red passport in 2025? In 2019, just before the pandemic, the bill for this care was £127.3 million. While it has since fallen, the total cost from 2016 to April 2025 now exceeds £813 million. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: 'You can use your UK European/Global Health Insurance Card for any medically necessary care at a public hospital or medical centre in Europe. 'But whilst a valid GHIC/EHIC can help, it won't cover everything. Always check what's included in your travel insurance before travelling abroad and while your EHIC remains valid in the EU, replace it with a GHIC when it expires.' Amber Moon added: 'When you look at how much the UK has paid out to cover medical bills abroad, it just highlights how important it is for people to carry a GHIC or to make sure they get one when their EHIC expires this year.' Do you still need travel insurance with a GHIC or EHIC? Travel insurance is still needed even if you have a GHIC or EHIC. While these cards entitle you to receive emergency medical treatment in Europe on the same terms as a local, they don't cover repatriation if you need to return to the UK - something that's included in many travel insurance policies. They also won't cover you if you fall ill on a cruise or require rescue during a winter sports holiday. Your passport is your most important travel document - it's worth taking your time to get right! Before submitting your application check: - your photo meets all requirements - all personal details are correct - supporting documents are ready - payment details are accurate — His Majesty's Passport Office (@HM_Passport) June 16, 2025 How to check if your GHIC or EHIC is still valid If you already have a GHIC or EHIC, you'll need to make sure it's valid before your trip. To find out when it expires, check the expiry date box in the bottom right corner of the card. This will give you an exact date that it expires. How to renew a GHIC or EHIC If you have checked the expiry date and need to renew your card, it's free and easy to do via the NHS website. Recommended reading: You can renew your card up to nine months before yours runs out. Once your EHIC expires, you will receive a GHIC when you renew it. For those who don't already have one, you can apply for a new one which will last five years.
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
English train station to shut for 2 years ahead of major £11.5million revamp to make a ‘railway that's fit for future'
It comes amid major investment in stations and trains across the country OFF TRACK English train station to shut for 2 years ahead of major £11.5million revamp to make a 'railway that's fit for future' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A RAILWAY station is set to close for two years ahead of major £11.5m improvement works. It comes amid major investment in stations and trains across the country with services affected across the UK. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Deighton Station in Huddersfield is currently being upgraded as part of a programme of railway improvements in the UK Deighton Station in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, will shut on August 30 and reopen in 2027. The work is part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) programme of railway improvements being carried out by Network Rail. This includes the closure of Ty Glas station in Cardiff until spring 2026, part of the Welsh Government's £800 million investment in new trains. TRU sponsor Gareth Hope said the upgrade of Deighton Station "will allow the station to be brought up to modern standards and accommodate better rail travel across the North". The rebuilt station will boast two new tracks to allow faster services to overtake slower ones. It will also extend platforms to accommodate longer trains with more seats. There will also be a new footbridge with lifts for step-free access to both platforms. A new forecourt, including a drop-off point, accessible parking and improved waiting shelters, will also be built. 'Fit for the future' An hourly rail replacement bus service will operate between Huddersfield and Deighton while the station is closed. The service will stop at Brighouse from September 29 2025. Moment delivery driver lobs water bottles to passengers through windows of broken-down train after it got stuck in 33C As part of the work, Whitacre Street – which is already closed to vehicles – will be closed to pedestrians from August 20 until July 2026. Rob Warnes, strategic development director for Northern, said the work would support its aim of an "inclusive, accessible railway that's fit for the future". He added: "We recognise that delivery of works on this scale can cause disruption to the lives of our customers, and we are grateful for their continued patience." In Cardiff, improvements at Ty Glas will include five new, quieter Class 756 tri-mode trains rolled out on the Croyton and Caerphilly to Penarth lines. There will also be a new level crossing at the station. Station to station – exclusive railway tours Celebrate 200 years of British railway with these tours... As part of Railway 200, a year-long celebration marking two centuries of train travel in the UK, Network Rail is running exclusive tours of London Waterloo, London Victoria and London Bridge stations. Railway historian Rachel Kolsky will lead small groups of around 15 people on two-hour tours, offering glimpses into hidden areas of each station. Tours of London Waterloo, the UK's third busiest train station, will explore seven areas, including the London Necropolis Railway. Brits can also book tours of London Victoria, where they'll learn more about the station's glamorous past thanks to its ties to the well-known Orient Express. Tours of London Bridge will also be taking place to mark 200 years of train travel in the UK. The tours last two hours and cost £25 per person, with just 15 people on each tour. Tickets are available through Eventbrite. During the works, passengers will be directed to nearby Birchgrove station where they can seek alternative routes. Those needing to cross the railway will be diverted towards the Caerphilly Road bridge.
