Government warns holidaymakers not to bring food back from worldwide trips

Research has revealed that holidaymakers are unaware that there are strict rules on what foods they can bring into the UK from overseas, prompting the government to launch a new 'Don't bring me back' campaign (www.dontbringmeback.direct.gov.uk).

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs found that one in five Britons were unaware that restrictions exist on food items and one in three believed restrictions on food imports were not important.

Border Force officer at Heathrow Airport Chris Pratt said: Lots of people see celebrity chefs going abroad to discover new exotic dishes and want to recreate the experience at home.

""However, it's an unnecessary risk to the whole country to bring back illegal foods especially when many of these food items can be bought legally in the UK.""

It is illegal to bring meat or dairy products back to the UK from outside the European Union.

This is the same whether they are loosely wrapped, vacuum packed, tinned or in a sealed packet.

There are also strict rules on the import of fish, shellfish, honey, fruits and vegetables.

If you are caught flouting the rules, which were put in place to prevent animal diseases such as foot and mouth entering the country, your food products will be destroyed and you run the risk of a hefty fine.

If you declare the products to Customs, the goods will still be destroyed but you will not be prosecuted.

To find out what food items you can bring into the UK from overseas, go to ww.dontbringmeback.direct.gov.uk.

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