Passengers flying from major UK airports 'face fines' for buying a sandwich

Daily Mirror

17-06-2025

A travel expert for European Waterways warns that passengers should do not carry this common food item into the EU or they risk being "fined or face criminal prosecution"
Holidaymakers flying with some of the UK's biggest air operators such have been given a stern warning about carrying a shop-bought sandwich onto their flight.
Eager tourists eyeing European hotspots have received crucial advice from European Waterways, a group of travel specialists. Maryanne Sparkes, an authority from the group, explained the costly repercussions for those introducing meat or dairy from the UK into the EU: "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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Further explaining the regulations, Sparkes states: "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."
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Sparkes warns that failure to comply could hit travellers' pockets hard or even land them in legal trouble, urging holidaymakers to ditch any meat or dairy items before entering the EU.
She also pointed out: "You can however bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products and honey. Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are allowed as long as they weigh no more than 20 kilograms (kg) or the equivalent weight of one whole fish, whichever is heavier", reports Edinburgh Live.
In her final remarks, Sparkes cautioned: "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. Additionally, you may be fined or face criminal prosecution," underlining the potential consequences for not adhering to these rules.
"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.
"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."