More than 50 people have illegal food from outside the EU seized at our ports and airports each day, new figures show.
Defra says 21,200 such items were confiscated last year after travellers breached EU rules intended to protect people, livestock and crops from exotic pests and diseases. Enforcement agencies seized 45% more illegal dairy last year than in 2008-9, while prohibited meat found was up 14%.
Restrictions on non-EU produce also apply to fish, shellfish, honey, eggs and egg products and fruits and vegetables. To check the rules click here.
To read an NFU member briefing about this, click on the related documents link to the right of the page.
Food 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. And most of these foods can now be purchased in British markets and shops.”
Where did it all come from - breakdown of seized food items
Click here to read the Annual Review of Controls on Imports of Animal Products: April 2009 - March 2010.
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