By James Rodger

Copyright birminghammail

A new rule bans six food items on UK and European Union flights. Tourists face £5,000 fines over breaking the rules, with the UK Health and Security Agency warning Jet2 , Ryanair , Easyjet and TUI passengers. Items banned going forward include soft, hard and processed cheeses (including brie, camembert and more), all cured, cooked or packaged meats, dairy items like milk, yoghurt, butter, cream and other favourites, food items containing meat or dairy like sandwiches, baked goods and salad. Jane Bolton from boutique ski holiday company Erna Low cautioned: “You may think that a wedge of local cheese or a pack of cured meats is a harmless holiday treat, especially if it’s sealed and purchased at a duty-free shop. READ MORE Drivers issued fines through letterbox after ‘not realising law has changed’ “But under current biosecurity laws, meat and dairy products are banned from being brought into Great Britain from the EU or other restricted regions. “If in doubt, don’t bring it. The rules apply even if the items are commercially packaged or unopened. You’ll be expected to dispose of banned foods at the border and in some cases, may face fines of up to £5,000 for non-compliance. “If you’re unsure, visit the UK government’s official guidelines before packing. Grabbing a sandwich, pastry or cheese toastie before your flight might seem like a good idea, but if you don’t finish it before landing, you could be in breach of import rules. “Even leftovers in your hand luggage are subject to restrictions.” Labour Party Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot & mouth. “That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain’s food security.” UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro said: “Following the detection of foot and mouth disease in EU countries resulting in a rising risk of introduction into Great Britain, we have extended restrictions on the personal imports of food products that pose a risk in FMD transmission. “Robust contingency plans are already in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain’s food security. This biosecurity measure combined with all others we have implemented are critical to limit the risk of FMD incursion. “I would urge livestock keepers to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, ensure scrupulous biosecurity is maintained and to report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”