The United Kingdom and the European Union are once again embroiled in a cheese conflict, a somewhat amusing development amidst the ongoing political tensions that have persisted since 2016. In April 2025, British authorities implemented a ban on the import of dairy products and meat from EU countries for personal consumption, aiming to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, which is particularly harmful to cattle, sheep, and pigs.
So, if you are planning to travel from the EU to the UK, forget about bringing your favorite cheese, chorizo, or jamón sandwiches, even if they are neatly packaged and purchased duty-free. At the border, customs officials may demand these delicacies be surrendered for destruction, and inattentive travelers could face fines of up to £5,000.
Despite growing dissatisfaction in the EU, the British government insists that food safety and the protection of domestic farmers take precedence over culinary habits. This discontent is particularly evident in neighboring France, where the ban has had a negative impact on dairy sales.
