Expert issues warning to UK travellers over little-known food fine

British holidaymakers have been issued a warning over an easily-made mistake that could see them fined in the European Union.

Tourists who bring ready-made sandwiches into an EU country could run the risk of being fined due to the bloc's regulations.

Maryanne Sparks, of European Waterways, has issued a warning to tourists bringing sandwiches on their trip.

She says: '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.'

British tourists must follow the rules for non EU-country holidaymakers and could be penalised if they break them.

Maryanne adds: 'When arriving in the EU, you may have to undergo official controls by the authorities.

'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.'

The European Commission explains that personal goods containing 'meat, milk or their products' could 'present a real risk to animal health throughout the Union'.

'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,' says Maryanne.

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

Travellers are not allowed to bring meat, milk or their products in to the EU but there are exceptions for powdered infant milk and infant food.

Holidaymakers are allowed to bring up to 20kg of fish into the EU or up to 2kg of honey, live oysters, live mussels and snails.

The rules do not apply to tourists travelling between EU member states or for animal products from Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino or Switzerland.