Customs seize meat imported from Hong Kong

15 June 2010

Customs staff recently intercepted and seized a small amount of meat posted from Hong Kong to an individual in Jersey.

Imports of meat and meat products from non-EU countries are prohibited. This is an important measure to prevent the introduction of serious animal diseases, such as foot and mouth disease.

Andy Scate, Chief Officer for Planning and Environment, the department responsible for control of notifiable animal disease, commented “Viruses which cause diseases such as foot and mouth and swine fever can survive for long periods in sausages and salamis and other processed meats. Foot and mouth disease is present in several countries in the Far East and the action by Customs and Immigration helps to protect Jersey’s livestock from introduction of this devastating disease, caused by one of the most infectious viruses known.”