
New import rules have been introduced for travellers coming to Jersey from European Union countries.
People travelling to Jersey from the 27 EU member countries, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein can no longer import meat or dairy products.
It is part of a new push to protect the agricultural industry here, following outbreaks of Foot and Mouth disease across mainland Europe which the government says poses a 'serious risk'.
Products banned from today (16 May) include anything fresh, cured, raw, packed, or purchased from duty free:
- Meat products from cattle, pigs, sheep or goats,
- Dairy products, including cheese, milk, and yoghurt,
- Items containing meat or dairy products, such as meat or cheese sandwiches, cured meats, sausages and milk-based desserts.
However, there is a list of items people can bring to the island:
- Bread (excluding sandwiches filled with meat or dairy),
- Cakes (as long as they do not contain fresh cream),
- Biscuits, chocolate, and confectionery (excluding those with large amounts of unprocessed dairy),
- Pasta and noodles (not mixed with or filled with meat),
- Packaged soups, stocks, and flavourings,
- Processed and packaged plant products, including packaged salads and frozen vegetables,
- Food supplements containing small amounts of animal products (e.g. fish oil capsules),
- Up to 2kg per person of powdered infant milk, baby food, or special dietary food required for medical reasons.
These new safeguards only apply to personal imports from the EU, not products from the UK, Northern Ireland, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.
Shops and restaurants can still import meat and dairy from the EU if they meet current import rules and health standards.
The rules have been introduced after countries including Slovakia, Germany, Hungary and Austria confirmed the disease.
The disease is not a threat to humans but is extremely contagious to animals with hooves, such as cows, horses, pigs, sheep and goats.
If Foot and Mouth Disease is found in the island, it could severely affect farmers and Jersey's economy.