Does anyone know the rules/regs for taking food into Europe? I'm flying from SFO to Toronto(layover) and then on to London. I would like to bring some food items. I checked with the airline and I am allowed to bring them on the plane but I don't want to have to throw them out when I get to either Canada or the UK. Like I don't think they let people bring non-native plants to a country because it may cause problems. Do they not allow foods or certain foods because they may bring bugs or seeds they don't want? Specifically, I am taking whey protein powder and some power bars....mainly to eat on the flight and for snacks when I am in Europe. thanks
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
Unlike in the US, when I arrived in Heathrow all I went through was passport control, not customs like when I arrived back in the US (Boston). I had lots of energy bars with me for the same purpose as you and it was never an issue, no one asked about it or anything in any country I landed in. I wouldn't worry about it, they don't seem quite as concerned about it as the US is (who made me throw away a sealed package of supermarket salami I had bought for the plane ride back from Italy and never ended up opening or eating... but this is another discussion ;)). Have a great trip!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
I wouldn't worry about it; especially if it is packaged food. Customs checks are very rare when your arrive at European airports. I've seen people openly carrying boxes of Krispy Kremes off of transatlantic flight and nobody stopped them.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, Ca, USA
27 posts
Sorry, I just read the post below about bringing in food to Europe after I posted mine. But that was more about meat. Mine would be dried powder and nutrition bars. thanks
Posted by
Scotland
505 posts
Greetings
Power bars and baked foods are fine. However, with Foot & Mouth and Blue Tongue around, they will probably be quite strict in Europe, especially the UK, with any meat or dairy items - customs will probably be much more visible these days because.
If you have any doubts, ask the customs agents - you can also look online as there's a pamphlet put out about EU customs rules.
Kate
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
I'm sure you will be fine. Your bars will be sealed in their packs and clearly labeled as to what they are and the same with the protein powder. What seems to send them into a tiz is products with raw egg and plant materials like seeds. Our quarantine is seriously strict here with these things. I always bring back chocolates and other food items but they are always sealed and I have never had a problem. I do declare them as if you don't here they can fine you heavily for not making a declaration of bringing in food stuffs. When I was in Hong Kong once I was given moon cakes to bring home and when I got back they were confiscated as they contain raw egg. I wasn't fussed as the thought of eating a cake with a raw egg centre made me feel ill.