Jet2, Ryanair and Easyjet passengers warned over fine for 'buying meal deal' pre-flight

Daily Record

9 hours ago

Passengers flying abroad this summer should be aware of the rules around food.
Passengers flying with Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI this summer are being advised to think twice about purchasing a sandwich before boarding. Passengers could be hit with a fine if they board with food that does not meet the strict rules.
Experts at European Waterways, a group of travel specialists, are reminding holidaymakers flying to European destinations of the rules regarding meat and dairy products. And that includes your meal deal that you buy before boarding the plane.
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Maryanne Sparkes, from European Waterways, advised: "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!"
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Giving more details about the strict regulations, Maryanne said: "It is safe to consume these sandwiches in the airport and on the plane, but they must be disposed of either before you get off the flight or as soon as you enter the terminal at the other side.
"To avoid fines or potential criminal prosecution, ensure that any meat or dairy products are not carried into the EU."
She emphasises the importance of compliance to avoid fines or even potential criminal charges, insisting that travellers must not take any meat or dairy into the EU, reports Birmingham Live.
She also notes: "You can however bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products and honey.
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"Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are as long as they weigh no more than 20 kilograms (kg) or the equivalent weight of one whole fish, whichever is heavier.", reports Birmingham Live.
In conclusion, Sparkes warns: "When arriving in the EU, you may have to undergo official controls by the authorities.
"If you are carrying any undeclared meat or dairy products, they will be confiscated and destroyed.
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"Additionally, you may be fined or face criminal prosecution," highlighting the potential ramifications for failing to respect these guidelines.
"You may carry animal-derived products when travelling within the EU.
"However, most EU countries have strict regulations on transporting endangered animals or plants, or products derived from them, and in some cases, a permit may be required.
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"These new regulations are part of stricter biosecurity measures implemented by the EU to prevent the spread of animal diseases.
"While travellers have always been restricted from bringing in certain animal products from non-EU countries, the new rules specifically target those coming from the UK following its exit from the European Union.
"So, the next time you're catching a flight from the UK to the EU, be sure to double-check your baggage and avoid packing any fish or meat products unless you want to risk a fine."