Even if it’s bought at the airport or duty free bringing something like a sarnie on board could cause a problem

Border Force in the UK will check for banned foods coming into the UK from the EU with massive fines possible(Image: Getty)

Anyone returning to the UK this October half term has been warned that they could face £5,000 fines for bringing everyday items back through customs – even if it was bought in the EU airport or duty free. An outbreak of a disease on teh continent has meant the government has banned certain things from being brought back.

It means that anyone travelling from hotspots like Spain, France, Italy and Greece must not bring any food into the country – with officials saying they’ll impose £5,000 fines. Some travel experts have said it could add to the confusion this October when the new ‘entry/exit’ (EES) system comes into effect from October 12 meaning people travelling to Europe will have to give more data including fingerprints – and with some countries imposing new rules on issues such as proving you have travel insurance.

The ban on food coming back from the EU to the UK is because of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) following a rising number of cases across Europe – and it’s a bid to stop it infecting animals here. It means that simple items which people would put in bags without a thought such as sandwiches, cheese and snacks like croissants could cause problems.

Travellers have been warned they face fines of £5,000 if they try to bring 5 items through customs – even if they bought it from duty free. The rules which are still in place mean anyone caught with items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into the country will be stopped at the border.

6 items banned from flights into the UK from EU

All cheeses soft, hard or processed: Examples include brie and camembert, which are popular French varieties; mozzarella and parmesan, often associated with Italy; and manchego, a traditional Spanish favouriteAll meat products including cured, cooked or packaged types like salami, pâté, typical in France; chorizo and Jamón from Spain; or parma ham and prosciutto, commonly eaten in ItalyMilk, yoghurt, butter, cream and other dairy itemsFood items containing meat or dairy like sandwichesBaked goodsSalad

The new ‘entry/exit’ (EES) system comes into effect from October 12, just in time for October half-term travel, many Brits are even more unsure on what’s allowed, according to recent surveys. Under these rules, anyone going to the EU will need to give biometric information such as fingerprints, and some countries like France are also introducing more stringent border controls in areas such as travel insurance and checks on people having enough money.

Travel Expert, Jane Bolton from tailor-made package ski holiday operator, Erna Low, said: “You may think that a wedge of local cheese or a pack of cured meats is a harmless holiday treat, especially if it’s sealed and purchased at a duty-free shop. But under current biosecurity laws, meat and dairy products are banned from being brought into Great Britain from the EU or other restricted regions.

“If in doubt, don’t bring it. The rules apply even if the items are commercially packaged or unopened. You’ll be expected to dispose of banned foods at the border and in some cases, may face fines of up to £5,000 for non-compliance. If you’re unsure, visit the UK government’s official guidelines before packing.

“Grabbing a sandwich, pastry or cheese toastie before your flight might seem like a good idea, but if you don’t finish it before landing, you could be in breach of import rules. Even leftovers in your hand luggage are subject to restrictions. “

Officials said those found with these items will need to either surrender them at the border or will have them seized and destroyed. “In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England.“

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said when it was launched: “This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot & 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.”

The UKHSA said: “Those found with these items will need to either surrender them at the border or will have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England. “

You can bring the following into Great Britain from any country without any restrictions:

bread, but not sandwiches filled with meat or dairy productscakes without fresh creambiscuitschocolate and confectionery, but not those made with a lot of unprocessed dairy ingredientspasta and noodles, but not if mixed or filled with meat or meat productspackaged soup, stocks and flavouringsprocessed and packaged plant products, such as packaged salads and frozen plant materialfood supplements containing small amounts of an animal product, such as fish oil capsules

Source