Dutch TV news broadcasts images of customs officials confiscating ham sandwiches from drivers arriving by ferry from the UK under post-Brexit rules that prohibit personal imports of meat and dairy products into the EU.
Officials wearing high-visibility jackets explain to frightened car and truck drivers at the Hook of Holland ferry terminal that, since Brexit, “it is no longer allowed to bring certain foods to Europe, such as meat, fruits, vegetables, fish, this kind of things. “
To a perplexed driver with several sandwiches wrapped in foil and who asked if he could deliver the meat and keep the bread alone, a customs officer replied: “No, everything will be confiscated. Welcome to Brexit, sir, I’m sorry. “
The next time people say there is no new friction at the borders because of Brexit, you can show them this Dutch TV clip of drivers being stopped and having their lunches confiscated. pic.twitter.com/B9eZfDWKFB
– OwenAdamsYT (@ OwenAdamsYT1) January 10, 2021
The ban came into effect on New Year’s Day, when the Brexit transition period came to an end, with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) saying that travelers should “use, consume or discard” prohibited items during or before the border.
“As of January 1, 2021, you will not be able to bring POAO (products of animal origin), such as those containing meat or dairy products (for example, a ham and cheese sandwich) to the EU”, states the guidance from Defra for commercial drivers.
The European Commission says the ban is necessary because meat and dairy products can contain pathogens that cause animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease or swine fever, and “continue to pose a real threat to animal health across the Union”.
Dutch customs also published a photo of food, from breakfast cereals to oranges, that authorities confiscated at the ferry terminal, adding: “Since January 1, you can’t just bring more food from the UK.”
The customs service added: “So, be prepared if you travel from the UK to Holland and spread the word. This is how we avoid food waste and together we ensure that controls are accelerated ”.