Following the introduction of post-Brexit food regulations, the UK government has temporarily advised holidaymakers against bringing cheese and meat products back from the European Union. This action today undermines the prevention of foot-and-mouth disease. This new UK-wide restriction came into effect on Saturday — impacting everyone arriving into Great Britain — including UK residents and citizens. The government’s decision follows a continent-wide surge outbreak of the disease. This comes despite no active cases being reported within the UK.
Under these new regulations, customs will confiscate any cheese or meat products you try to bring into the UK. Then they will proceed to destroy these items right there. In more extreme circumstances, people may be subject to penalties of as much as £5,000. Additionally, the ban would apply to items like cured meats and cheeses—even in sandwiches.
Though the prohibitions are indeed draconian, they don’t apply at all to Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. The UK government has been proactive in addressing the potential threat of foot-and-mouth disease, which had devastating effects during its last outbreak in 2001. The outbreak didn’t even confirm 2,000 cases. It led to the gassing of over six million sheep, cattle, and pigs as well.
The current ban comes on top of previous bans on widely similar products imported from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. We’re glad that officials are paying attention to these measures. Their goal is to shield domestic agriculture from devastating foreign diseases before they can cause catastrophic economic impacts.
UK Parliament, Flickr Groups representing independent food and drink retailers, including the Guild of Fine Food, raised concerns about the sudden announcement of the ban and its immediate implementation. John Farrand, the Guild’s managing director, blasted the decision as “knee-jerk.” He explained that it ruins Christmas shoppers’ experience of holiday favourites.
“This is bureaucracy at its worst.” – John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food
As travelers adjust to this new-normal, the UK government is still keeping a close watch on things. We applaud the authorities for putting public health and agricultural integrity ahead of corporate interests. They have taken affirmative steps to address potential dangers associated with imports from infected areas.