DARD issues reminder on illegal imports

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has issued a reminder to holiday makers not to bring home illegal food products.

Bringing back novel or exotic food products from some countries could bring serious disease and unwanted pests to Northern Ireland. These diseases may threaten the health of Northern Ireland's agricultural livestock and crops.

The department has in place strict restrictions on foodstuffs which can be brought back from countries outside Northern Ireland. People travelling to Northern Ireland should check the rules on food imports before they leave the UK. Illegal goods will be seized and destroyed with no compensation and long delays, prosecution and a fine are also likely. In addition, there are also serious human health risks associated with eating unfit products.

Epizootic diseases threatening Northern Ireland's animal health status include bluetongue, foot and mouth, swine fever and avian flu.

During 2007, there were 259 seizures totalling 1274kg of illegal food products seized at the two main Northern Ireland airports. Since 1998, consignments of illegal food imports of food products of non-EU origin have been seized from over 80 countries worldwide.

In order to stem the flow of illegal imports of animals, animal products and plant products, including fish, meat and vegetables, into Northern Ireland, DARD Portal Inspection Branch maintains a permanent inspection presence at all main ports and airports.

Notes to Editors:

1. For detailed information on what can and cannot be brought into Northern Ireland, call the DARD Portal Inspection Office on 028 9445 2577 or visit the website.
2. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.