Big rise in illegal meat and dairy seizures at ports and airports

Last year, more than 21,200 illegal personal food items, such as meat and dairy products, brought in from non-EU countries were seized by UK enforcement agencies, such as the UK Border Agency.

The EU rules are intended to protect people, livestock and crops from exotic pests and diseases. The UK livestock industry has been vociferous about ensuring the rules enforced properly in the UK since the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, which was blamed on illegally imported meat.

The amount of illegal dairy products (45 per cent increase) and illegal meat products (14 per cent increase) seized increased significantly on 2008 levels, according to the Annual Review of Controls on Imports of Animal Products.

Over a third of the illegally imported food, 56,400kg, came from Eastern Asia, with the Near and Middle East (28,200kg) and Southern Asia (the 18,600kg the next most common sources.

The UK Border Agency has deployed officers to further target high risk routes for illegal meat and dairy products carried by incoming travellers.

Defra, the UK Border Agency and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) raised public awareness of the rules last year with campaign aimed particularly at ethnic minorities.

Farming Minister Jim Paice said: “Most people bring back these items for a ‘taste of home’, but they could be bringing back disease.

“We need to make sure we protect our crops and livestock, as well as people’s health – which is why we’ve been working to raise awareness and dispel myths about personal food imports rules.

“Most of these foods can now be purchased in British markets and shops.”

The rules:

• It is against the law to bring any meat and dairy products into the UK from countries outside the EU, even for personal use.
• Restrictions also apply to other food products, including fish, shellfish, honey, eggs and egg products, fruits and vegetables.
• The rules apply to any products brought in personal luggage or sent by post (including those ordered online).
• These products have the potential to bring diseases and pests that can have a devastating effect on farming. Some products may also contain residues or contaminants that harm human or public health.

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