Little-known food rule could see travellers hit with unexpected fine

It’s been five and a half years since the UK officially left the European Union, and the realities of the change haven’t quite dawned on everyone just yet.

There’s all manner of micro-changes to trade and travel to be aware of, and there’s one particularly easy mistake you could make whilst travelling over to an EU country.

Stocking up on some grub before you board your flight is one of the few joys of air travel. There’s something reassuring about being propelled thousands of feet into the air, safe in the knowledge that you’ve got a meal deal stowed under the seat in front of you.

The humble meal deal is hard to come by off these shores (VictorHuang/Getty Images)

If nothing else, having something to whip out and munch can be a nice way to break up the monotony.

But it’s this very act that could land you in hot water when travelling into the EU.

Issuing a warning to tourists and holidaymakers, European Waterways’ Maryanne Sparks said a meal deal sandwich could win you a fine thanks to EU regulations on whether some foods can be brought over the border.

“If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you - this includes those you would find in a meal deal sandwich,” Sparks told the Daily Mail.

Seeing as we aren’t in the EU anymore, we Brits have to adhere to the rules placed upon other non-EU travellers.

“When arriving in the EU, you may have to undergo official controls by the authorities,” continued Sparks.

“If you are carrying any undeclared meat or dairy products, they will be confiscated and destroyed. Additionally, you may be fined or face criminal prosecution.”

Imagine standing trial for having the temerity to bring your Simply Ham sandwich over a border.

If you’re wondering what the big deal is, it’s to do with protecting animal health inside the EU. Meat, milk and associated products can 'present a real risk to animal health throughout the Union' according to the European Commission.

Don't spoil your holiday with a sandwich (RUBEN BONILLA GONZALO/Getty Images)

“It is safe to consume these sandwiches in the airport and on the plane, but they must be disposed of either before you get off the flight or as soon as you enter the terminal at the other side,” explained Sparks.

“To avoid fines or potential criminal prosecution, ensure that any meat or dairy products are not carried into the EU.'

As a rule of thumb: don’t have any meat or milk-based products on you when you exit the plane in an EU country.

Exceptions are made for powered milk for babies and other infant foods.