Are you a fan of beef jerky and wondering if you can bring it back to the UK from your travels abroad?
The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. There are strict rules and regulations in place regarding the import of food products, including meat and dairy.
In this article, we’ll explore the guidelines for bringing beef jerky into the UK, as well as other food items, from different countries around the world.
So, if you’re planning on packing some snacks for your next trip, read on to find out what you can and cannot bring back with you.
Can I Bring Beef Jerky Back To The UK?
The short answer is yes, you can bring beef jerky back to the UK from your travels abroad. However, there are some important rules and regulations that you need to be aware of before you pack your bags.
According to Border Force UK, you are free to bring back any meat or dairy products from any country within the European Union to the UK. This includes beef jerky, as long as it is commercially packaged and cooked.
If you are travelling from the Faroe Islands, Greenland, or Iceland, you are allowed up to 10kg of combined weight per person of meat, meat products, milk, dairy products or potatoes. However, if you are travelling from any other country outside of these areas and the EU, you are not allowed to bring any of these items.
It’s important to note that if you’re bringing in any food or animal products protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), you’ll need to apply for a CITES permit.
The Rules And Regulations On Importing Food Products Into The UK
Importing food products into the UK is subject to strict rules and regulations. If you’re planning to bring in any food or animal products from abroad, it’s essential to know about the regulations that apply to specific products and more general rules concerning labelling and additives.
According to the UK government, animals and goods subject to official controls at Border Control Posts (BCPs) include animals, products of animal origin (POAO), composite products, high-risk products of non-animal origin subject to increased levels of official controls due to a known or emerging risk to public health, germinal products, animal-by-products, plants, and plant products.
Full details of animal and goods subject to official controls at BCPs are laid down in Article 47 of the Official Controls Regulation (EU) 2017/625. While certification, documentary, ID and physical checks by commodity groups for products of animal origin, animal by-products, plant and plant products will be introduced in three phases between July and November 2022, the requirement for pre-notifying consignments starts on 1 January 2022.
From 1 January 2022, businesses importing products of animal origin, animal by-products and high-risk foods not of animal origin (HRFNAO) must pre-notify consignments at least four hours in advance of arriving into Great Britain. The pre-notification must be made via the Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS).
It’s important to note that if you’re bringing in any food or animal products protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), you’ll need to apply for a CITES permit.
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, U.S. export health certificates are now required to either follow the Great Britain model (for destinations within England, Scotland or Wales) or the European Union health certificate model if shipping to Northern Ireland. U.S. exporters should ensure that they apply for the correct certificate from the relevant U.S. government authority.
What Is Beef Jerky And Where Is It Commonly Found?
Beef jerky is a popular snack made from lean trimmed meat that has been cut into strips and dried to prevent spoilage. The drying process involves the addition of salt to prevent bacterial growth before the meat has finished dehydrating. The word “jerky” comes from the Quechua word ch’arki, which means “dried, salted meat.”
Beef jerky can come from many different areas of the cow, but there are six main parts of the cow typically used for jerky. These include the round, flank, sirloin, ribeye, brisket, and chuck. Companies choose their cuts based on a tradeoff between taste and cost.
The history of beef jerky has roots in South Africa, where a similar snack called biltong was made by slicing meat into strips, curing it with salt, and hanging it up to dry. European explorers coined the term biltong and spread its popularity to other regions. Biltong is traditionally marinated in a vinegar solution and seasoned with salt, spices, and brown sugar. Unlike beef jerky, biltong is never smoked.
Beef jerky is commonly found in grocery stores and convenience stores throughout the United States and other countries. It is a popular snack for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking because it is ready-to-eat, needs no additional preparation, and can be stored for months without refrigeration. Beef jerky is also commonly sold online through various retailers.
Other Food Items You May Want To Bring Back From Your Travels
Aside from beef jerky, there may be other food items that you want to bring back from your travels. It’s important to note that there are restrictions on bringing certain foods into the UK from outside the EU. Milk products from outside the EU are banned, as well as potatoes or potato products from anywhere (including the EU), even if they are canned, bottled or otherwise packaged.
However, if you’re bringing in snacks that are commercially packaged and remain closed, it is generally fine to bring them across borders. Bags of chips, nuts, candy, and similar foods that are not quickly perishable are acceptable. Baked goods and cheeses may also be permitted depending on the country.
If you need to bring necessary food items such as baby formula or dietary supplements, it is most often acceptable. Just make sure to check with the relevant authorities and follow any necessary procedures or regulations.
Tips For Avoiding Any Issues When Importing Food Products Into The UK.
Importing food products into the UK can be a tricky process, with various rules and regulations that need to be followed to ensure that your products are allowed into the country. Here are some tips to avoid any issues when importing food products into the UK:
1. Check if you need an import licence: Imports of food and certain agriculture products into the UK may require an import licence. It’s important to check with the relevant authorities to see if your products require a licence.
2. Know the regulations: When importing food, it’s important to know about regulations that apply to specific products and more general rules concerning labelling and additives. For example, certain additives may be prohibited in the UK, so it’s important to check if your products contain any prohibited additives.
3. Certify organic products: If you’re importing organic products from non-EU countries, you’ll need to have a valid GB Certificate of Inspection (CoI). To certify organic products, you’ll need to find a recognised control body that is active in your country.
4. Avoid importing restricted or prohibited items: Various food, plant and animal products are restricted or prohibited entry into Canada because they can harbour invasive species, foreign animal diseases and plant pests. It’s important to check if your products are on the restricted or prohibited list before importing them into the UK.
5. Be aware of dangerous goods: There are 9 classes of dangerous goods that are regulated when being transported by air, sea, or road. It’s important to be aware of these classes and ensure that your products do not fall under any of them.
By following these tips, you can avoid any issues when importing food products into the UK and ensure that your products are allowed into the country without any problems.
