The move aims to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), following a recent increase in cases across parts of Europe. Even small items like ham and cheese sandwiches will be seized at the border.

As customs authorities clarified: “Cured meats, raw meats and milk are off limits regardless of whether they are packed, packaged or have been bought at duty-free.” Though FMD does not infect humans, it can devastate livestock. The UK is currently free of the disease and is taking steps to prevent its return. FMD is a highly infectious virus that impacts animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and wild deer.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the European outbreak “presents a significant risk to farm businesses and livestock” and warned of “significant economic losses due to production shortfalls in the affected animals, as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and dairy.” The ban applies only to travelers entering Great Britain and does not affect personal imports to Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.