Taking food into France

JSGARTH replied on 23/03/2023 10:24

Posted on 23/03/2023 10:24

We are travelling to France this year for the first time since Brexit and The Pandemic. We are travelling for a few months, we have done this since 1984 and used to like taking a fair bit of food with us. I have tried researching what I can take this year, but what I have read seems ambiguous. I understand the basics no fresh food or dairy products, but what about tinned food, dried food, bottled food, spices and herbs? I know people will say what are you worrying about they sell food in France, but we like to be well stocked when travelling. Also my wife enjoys cooking and would take lots of store cupboard type ingredients. Can anybody give me details for a website that can help with specific items? I have looked at the EU sites but they are so complicated and steeped in legal language. Surely there must be simple to understand but detailed information somewhere on the web, can somebody help me find it?!

JSGJ

Landyrover replied on 26/03/2023 12:00

Posted on 26/03/2023 12:00

The EU stance on taking food into the EU is that if it is purely for personal consumption then there is no problem, milk, cheese meat etc can all be carried so long as it is not in commercial quantity. There is another thread on this including a link to the official EU statement.

TobyLeeds replied on 29/03/2023 15:06

Posted on 29/03/2023 15:06

Take what you want - it’s for personal consumption and that’s allowed. There have been no reports to date of anyone being forced to empty their fridge or store cupboard.

IndianaJones replied on 29/03/2023 16:54

Posted on 29/03/2023 16:54

Thanks JS. I was wondering the same. In the early Brexit days, I heard stories of border officials confiscating the ham out of lorry drivers sandwiches, oh, and the bread too! Taking a straw poll of the replies here, I'm probs going to take what is left in the fridge and restock on route.

Derwa replied on 29/03/2023 19:56

Posted on 29/03/2023 15:06 by TobyLeeds

Take what you want - it’s for personal consumption and that’s allowed. There have been no reports to date of anyone being forced to empty their fridge or store cupboard.

Posted on 29/03/2023 19:56

Sorry, this has been discussed lots before and I think it’s obviously up to everyone whether they follow the rules, but there is a common misunderstanding as expressed here.

As we are no longer an EU country the rule that applies to people in the UK is this:

‘You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries.‘ uk.gov website.

The rule that says it’s ok to take those things for personal consumption only applies to people going from one EU country to another. That’s not us anymore.

as I said, it’s up to you whether you follow the rules

 

Jamsdad replied on 29/03/2023 23:09

Posted on 29/03/2023 23:09

All the evidence is that there is no reason to worry about taking a moderate amount of any foodstuffs in to the EU.No one has to my knowledge reported being search for foodstuffs so I don't think this is something to worry about. I certainly no something that has botheerd me in a number of trips to France.

eribaMotters replied on 30/03/2023 08:58

Posted on 30/03/2023 08:58

I've just realised, we Brits are starting to think like the French and do what we want. Life's to short to worry, we are still European inside.

 

Colin

EmilysDad replied on 30/03/2023 09:06

Posted on 30/03/2023 08:58 by eribaMotters

I've just realised, we Brits are starting to think like the French and do what we want. Life's to short to worry, we are still European inside.

 

Colin

Posted on 30/03/2023 09:06

I've never been European inside .... always English & then maybe British. 😉

replied on 31/03/2023 11:44

Posted on 30/03/2023 08:58 by eribaMotters

I've just realised, we Brits are starting to think like the French and do what we want. Life's to short to worry, we are still European inside.

 

Colin

Posted on 31/03/2023 11:44

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 31/03/2023 12:02

Posted on 30/03/2023 08:58 by eribaMotters

I've just realised, we Brits are starting to think like the French and do what we want. Life's to short to worry, we are still European inside.

 

Colin

Posted on 31/03/2023 12:02

+1, European, Yorkshire, Brit👍🏻. I love everything European.

jennyc replied on 04/04/2023 19:31

Posted on 04/04/2023 19:31

While I’m a devotee of eating what the natives eat, there are a few issues accompanying post Brexit European travel. No meat means an end to our dog’s traditional diet. We’re fussy with his food so swapping to a different European diet isn’t ideal. We’ve weaned him onto a fish based diet in readiness. That first cuppa in France will need to be sans lait unless we stop to buy complete with our caravan, before lowering the legs on night one. Thick cut traditional bacon is out of bounds. Instead there’s fabulous cheese and delicious bread. No complaints there. As for border fridge checks, in all of my world travels, including Africa, India, the US, Asia, even Russia and of course Europe, I’ve only had my bags checked once, and that was by a dour faced Swiss border guard. However, should by some minute chance a fridge inspection take place in today’s sensitive boarder at Calais, and heaven forbid an evening meal of sausages be discovered, a more in depth search might take place. Better maybe  to stick with the rules and enjoy a low fat Quorn Bolognaise just this once. Next day, a Deli indulgence beckons. It’s not ‘what can we get away with’, it’s why bother.

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