UK holidaymakers are being warned not to pack sandwiches, sausages or cheese in their luggage this summer when heading to EU countries, including Spain and the Canary Islands, as they could face fines or even criminal charges.
With airlines like Jet2, Ryanair, EasyJet and TUI ramping up flights for the summer, travellers are being reminded that strict rules ban the import of meat and dairy products from non-EU countries, which includes the UK post-Brexit.
The reminder comes as even food items in pre-prepared snacks, like sandwiches, are covered by the ban.
Eat It Onboard — But Don’t Bring It In
While it’s still perfectly legal to take food on board for the flight itself, any leftovers must be binned before entering any EU country.
Maryanne Sparkes, travel advisor for European Waterways, said: "You can eat these items on the plane or at the airport before departure, but you cannot take them into the country. To avoid fines or criminal penalties, you need to dispose of them before you leave the aircraft or when you land."
Passengers are being advised to make use of in-flight meal options, eat before boarding, or pack non-restricted items for the journey.
What Can You Take Onboard?
Some food items are allowed in limited quantities, including:
Brexit Rules Behind Tougher Checks
These rules aren’t new; they apply to any traveller entering the EU from a non-member country. But since the UK left the EU, British travellers are now subject to the same controls as visitors from outside Europe.
The ban is designed to protect EU agriculture and prevent animal diseases from entering the food chain. Authorities say it’s about biosecurity, not trade.
What Happens If You Break The Rules?
Anyone caught bringing in banned items risks having the goods seized and destroyed by customs officers. In more serious cases, holidaymakers could face fines or even criminal prosecution.
Travellers are being urged to double-check EU regulations before they fly, and think twice before packing that ham sandwich.
