Holiday Makers Reminded Of Illegal Import Rules

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. These diseases may threaten the health of local 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 from Northern Ireland should check the rules on food imports before they leave. 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 our animal health status include bluetongue, foot and mouth, swine fever and avian flu.

During 2008 there were 182 seizures totalling 968kg of illegal food products seized at the Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport. While the reduction in seizures is welcome and demonstrates that our message is getting through to the general public, we still have some way to go in reducing the threat of importing epizootic diseases in personal imports. 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 here, DARD Portal Inspection Branch maintains a permanent inspection presence at all main ports and airports. Recent publicity campaigns have been launched throughout Europe and locally in an attempt to raise awareness further among the travelling public.

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 at: http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/animal-health/portal-inspection-service.htm

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.