Bringing Snacks on Eurostar to UK Might Result in £5K Penalties
Revised Article:
Heads up, Brits! Steer clear of these banned European snacks on Eurostar to dodge a case of foot-and-mouth disease and a hefty fine.
The outbreak of foot-and-mouth (FMD) in Germany and Hungary earlier this year has been a serious concern for farmers, with costs estimated at a billion euros according to UK government research. This virus attacks cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, causing blisters, fever, lameness, stillbirths, and deaths. To prevent its spread, the UK has imposed restrictions on personal imports of European Union dairy and cured meats since April 2025. Breaking these rules could cost you £5,000 (nearly €5,900 euros).
Yet, despite these restrictions, a UK government spokesperson confirmed that "unwanted visitors" were still making their way onto Eurostar trains bound for the UK. POLITICO recently stumbled upon Belgian pork products for sale, just steps away from UK Border Force officers at Brussels Gare du Midi. These items, including cured sausage snacks and Bruges ham, were likely to be eaten after departure, with no alerts about the risks or financial penalties for taking pork and dairy into the country.
After being questioned, Eurostar confirmed that these products have been withdrawn from their offerings. However, their warnings about the import restrictions may not be as attention-grabbing as they should be. During a test trip in May, it was found that the warning on Eurostar's website about banned products was hidden three clicks deep in the email. On-board menus still advertise ham and cheese baguettes, which could be problematic if they contain restricted ingredients. Eurostar did not comment on the provenance of these on-board food items when asked.
It's hard to ignore the potential for banned pork products to find their way onto Eurostar trains, especially when duty-free shops near departures have recently sold EU pork products. The National Pig Association has even urged the government to take action against the availability of these banned pork products.
As we await a response from DEFRA, it's vital for Eurostar passengers to pay close attention to food offerings and heed the warnings to protect both their wallets and the UK's livestock from the devastating impact of foot-and-mouth disease. Stay tuned for updates!
- Travelling by Eurostar may require altering your lifestyle with regards to certain food choices, as the importation of pork and dairy products from the European Union is strictly banned to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and avoid hefty fines.
- Despite the challenges of the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, your journey doesn't have to be compromised if you take a moment to understand the travel rules, ensuring a seamless experience by leaving prohibited pork and dairy products at home.
