Efforts to stop illegal meats being brought into Britain are being stepped up with a new publicity drive at ports and airports.
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New hard-hitting posters are on display at ports and airports around the UK to warn travellers about what they can and cannot bring in, and the penalties they face for illegal imports. Convictions could result in up to two years imprisonment or fine of £5000.
At Heathrow Airport last week an exercise by customs and health officials resulted in the seizure of 315 kilogrammes of prohibited food produce.
Passengers were checked going through customs controls, and some were found to be carrying illegal imports. Most of this was fish.
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Margaret Beckett has already signalled that efforts will be increased to prevent illegal imports, and has called a high-level forum next month to agree further action.
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By GlobalDataFood and Farming Minister Lord Whitty said: “We recognise the strength of concern about illegal meat imports and we are acting to detect and to prevent these.
“Increased publicity to make people more aware of the dangers of bringing illegal foodstuffs into the UK is the latest step in a concerted effort to tackle the problem on several fronts.
“We will continue to keep up the pressure.”
Farming groups have expressed concern that illegal imports could re-introduce foot and mouth disease into the country. The highly contagious virus can survive in dried meat for six months.
To read about illegal monkey meat imports bought into the UK, click here.
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