All products Brits are now banned from bringing back from Europe following new rule

A new ban on certain products from Europe has kicked in for Brits in the hopes of stopping the spread of foot and mouth disease.

An outbreak of the disease, which is catastrophic for cattle and other livestock, was first detected in Germany at the start of the year and other cases have been detected in Hungary and neighbouring Slovakia since March.

While the disease poses little danger to humans, it is a disaster for animals and as such thousands of cattle have had to be culled in an attempt to prevent it from spreading further.

The UK is taking measures to try and prevent products which might be contaminated with the disease from making it to Britain, and have announced a ban on some foods.

In a recent announcement the government explained what you can't bring with you if coming into the country from Europe, saying: "You can no longer bring meat or dairy products from EU or EEA countries into Great Britain for personal use.

Some border crossings in Europe have started disinfecting tyres for fear that foot and mouth disease could be brought in on them (Lukas Kabon/Anadolu via Getty Images)

"This includes beef, pork, lamb, mutton, venison and goat meat, and all dairy products like cheese, butter or yoghurt.

"If you're travelling over Easter weekend, check what you can and can't bring back before you go."

The government's guidance extends to Great Britain, so it doesn't apply to Northern Ireland, and the full list of what you can and can't take into England, Scotland and Wales is thus:

• Pork
• Beef
• Lamb
• Mutton
• Goat
• Venison
• Products made from these meats such as sausages and burgers
• Milk and dairy products such as butter, cheese and yoghurt
• Products containing any of the above, including sandwiches and pet food

Whether these things are packaged, packed away or bought at duty free makes absolutely no difference, they're not coming in and will be taken away and destroyed.

If you get caught trying to smuggle your sandwich through, the UK Border Force are allowed to destroy it and any other items they think have been contaminated.

Meats and cheeses always pleases, as they say, but in this case don't try and smuggle them from Europe into the UK (Getty Stock Photo)

You are allowed to bring up to 2kg per person of pet food if it's needed for medical reasons, doesn't need to be kept in a fridge and is in branded packaging that's not been opened.

The UK's last foot and mouth disease outbreak was in 2001 and there were around 2,000 confirmed cases, but over six million animals were killed to prevent it from spreading further as a confirmed infection on a farm meant all of its livestock had to be slaughtered.

Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro, the UK's Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs, said: "Following the detection of foot and mouth disease in EU countries resulting in a rising risk of introduction into Great Britain, we have extended restrictions on the personal imports of food products that pose a risk in FMD transmission.

"Robust contingency plans are already in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain’s food security. This biosecurity measure combined with all others we have implemented are critical to limit the risk of FMD incursion.

"I would urge livestock keepers to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, ensure scrupulous biosecurity is maintained and to report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency."