September 2, 2022

UK announces strict movement controls for pork and pork products into the country

The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has announced strict new controls restricting the movement of pork and pork products into the UK to help protect Britain’s pigs from the threat of African swine fever (ASF), Gov.uk reported.

The new regulation, which takes effect from September 1, will tighten the restrictions on the importation of pork and pork products into the UK from countries that are members of the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association. Pork and pork products weighing more than two kg won't be allowed unless they were made in accordance with EU commercial standards. Commercial imports are exempt from this since they are still subject to the control.

ASF has been spreading throughout mainland Europe in recent months, killing thousands of pigs and seriously disrupting the meat trade.

This announcement follows the release of a new risk assessment by the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency, which acknowledges that there is a "medium risk" that the ASF virus may be introduced into the UK. It concluded that returning pork or pork products from an ASF-affected country by a member of the public is the most likely way for the virus to enter the UK.

UK Biosecurity Minister Lord Richard Benyon said the entry of pork products that pose the greatest risk will be stopped by this decisive and proportionate action, and all visitors to the UK must abide by these new rules in order to maintain the highest levels of biosecurity.

UK’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Richard Irvine said by prohibiting visitors from bringing in high-risk pork and pork products that might be infected with this virus until further notice, they are limiting the risk of disease spreading. Simply by refraining from bringing meats like pork and other meats into our country, everyone can do their part to stop the spread of animal diseases.

-      Gov.uk