Dutch authorities are seizing ham sandwiches from drivers arriving in the country from the UK due to post-Brexit rules that prohibit the import of meat and dairy products into the EU.
Images shown on Dutch TV show customs officials confiscating food from confused drivers, as they are told that they can no longer take “certain foods to Europe, like meat, fruits, vegetables, fish, that sort of thing” after the end of the transition period between the UK and the EU on New Year’s Day.
One of the drivers is surprised to ask if he can at least take the bread after the ham has been seized, to which a customs official replies: “No, everything will be confiscated. Welcome to Brexit, sir. I’m sorry.”
The guidance of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs states: “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 sandwich of ham and cheese) for the EU. “
The European Commission says that a ban on meat and dairy products is necessary to protect animal health across the EU. The Commission’s website states: “It is known, for example, that dangerous pathogens that cause animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever, can reside in meat, milk or their products. pathogens can be introduced into the EU if personal goods containing meat, milk or their products are sent by post or transported in the luggage of travelers arriving from countries outside the EU, where these pathogens may be circulating. “
Dutch authorities also posted photos of other foods that were confiscated, including breakfast cereals and oranges, adding: “Since January 1, you can’t just bring more food from the UK.”
Following a Brexit trade agreement agreement between the UK and the EU after 11 months of negotiations, major changes were introduced for UK companies, including changes in freedom of movement and new regulations applicable to the import and export of goods .
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It was also reported that companies faced difficulties due to the interruption of trade between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland after Brexit.
The requirements of the new Irish Sea border mean that customs declarations are necessary for many items arriving from Britain to Northern Ireland, leading to difficulties in the ports for carriers, with some retailers struggling to fill store shelves. The Labor Party urged the government to act and also called for better guidance for British companies that are embarking for Northern Ireland.