UK holidaymakers are being warned they could face substantial financial penalties for a simple and common airport purchase: a Boots meal deal sandwich. The seemingly innocent act of buying a sandwich containing meat or dairy in a UK departure lounge and carrying it into the European Union is now a breach of strict biosecurity laws.
What are the banned items?
According to travel expert group European Waterways, passengers flying from the UK, now a non-EU country, into any EU nation are prohibited from bringing in any meat or dairy products. This ban directly targets the contents of a typical airport meal deal sandwich purchased from retailers like Boots.
Travel expert Maryanne Sparkes clarified the rule, stating, "If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you - this includes those you would find in a meal deal sandwich!" She emphasised that while it is safe to eat these items at the UK airport or on the plane, they must be disposed of before you disembark or immediately upon entering the terminal at your EU destination.
What are the consequences for travellers?
The repercussions for ignoring these regulations are severe. Upon arrival in the EU, passengers may be subject to official checks by border authorities. Any undeclared meat or dairy will be confiscated and destroyed. More seriously, travellers may receive a huge fine or even face criminal prosecution.
These stringent measures are part of new biosecurity protocols enacted by the EU to prevent the spread of animal diseases. The rules have been specifically reinforced for travellers arriving from the UK following its exit from the European Union.
What food items are you allowed to bring?
It's not all bad news for peckish travellers. The regulations do permit some food items to be brought into the EU from the UK. Passengers can carry a limited quantity of the following:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Eggs and egg products
- Honey
Restricted amounts of fish are also allowed, provided the total weight is no more than 20kg or the weight of one whole fish, whichever is heavier. These rules apply specifically to travel from non-EU countries. Different, generally more relaxed, regulations govern the transport of animal products between EU member states.
The key takeaway for UK tourists is to double-check their carry-on luggage before leaving the plane. That hastily packed Boots sandwich could turn into a very expensive mistake.
