UK travellers heading to the EU risk hefty fines if they carry meat or dairy products in their luggage, it has emerged. Even a simple meal deal could break strict biosecurity rules. If you are travelling within the European Union, you can carry meat or dairy products for personal consumption, but this exception does not apply when travelling from the UK and therefore does not include your meal deal sandwich, European Waterways, a travel expert group has warned.

Failing to comply with these rules can lead to confiscation of your food and potentially hefty fines, so it pays to check before you pack that festive sandwich. Maryanne Sparkes, travel expert at European Waterways, said: “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.

“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.

“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 as long as they weigh no more than 20 kilograms (kg) or the equivalent weight of one whole fish, whichever is heavier.”

Travellers bringing food into the UK also face strict restrictions. This temporary restriction is to help stop the spread of foot and mouth disease after recent outbreaks in Europe.

Border Force officers can seize undeclared items, which may be destroyed, and offenders could face fines of up to £5,000 or even criminal prosecution in the most severe cases.

Exceptions apply to small quantities of powdered baby milk, infant food, medical foods, and certain pet feeds, provided they are commercially packaged and unopened.

From the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, you can bring fish, poultry, and other animal products like eggs and honey but travellers cannot bring in pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat ,venison, or any products made from these meats, like sausages for example.

You can bring in up to 2kg per person of powdered infant milk, infant food, or special food needed for medical reason,s and the same applies to special pet food needed for medical reasons.

For travellers coming from countries outside the EU and associated territories, the restrictions are even stricter. Meat and dairy products are prohibited, though small amounts of up to 2kg per person of honey, powdered infant milk, shellfish, snails, frogs’ legs, and insect meat may be brought in, with a total allowance of up to 20 kilograms of fish per person.

Any restricted items must be disposed of properly to avoid fines or potential prosecution.