Taking Food to Europe in your Fridge

GrayDJames, You can. There are no restrictions on foodstuffs when returning to UK.

Yet! I am sure I read they were talking about bringing them in, sort of tit for tat.

We crossed via the tunnel at the begining of September, we were not stopped and searched.

Didn't see anyone getting stopped either. 

We didn't take our usual freezer full but we did have ham, cheese, salad, butter, eggs and some fruit and veg. We had travelled down from Scotland and spent 5 days doing so. If we had been searched and goods confiscated it would have only been what was left.

As others said Gas has to be turned off.

I think because of Covid they are not bothering especially as they would have to enter vehicles etc.  No doubt once (if ever) its over they will enforce it a bit more but I am thinking random checks rather than everyone or they won't get anyone through the terminals.

To follow up on Jamsdad's comment, we recently went to Southern Ireland (Holyhead to Dublin - Rosslare to Pembroke).  There was no checking at all - neither for the wife and I nor for our two dogs.  We had some dairy and meat items in the fridge and tins of dog food under the bed.  Straight through check in - no customs control - just a happy smile and Welcome to Ireland!

For information only ....

I've seen this link posted on a different forum. At face value it seems that we can take small amounts of food for personal consumption:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2019/2122/oj

1.   Products of animal origin and composite products are exempted from official controls at border control posts provided that:

(a)
they are intended for consumption by the crew and passengers on board means of transport operating internationally; and
(b)
they are not unloaded on Union territory.

Sputnik, I am afraid we cannot interpret or advise you. It seems to be the personality of the traveller which decides.  Some worry about the fine details of the law and fear that they will be arrested and fined. Others just  go on their way. and take ready meals from home to see them through the first  few days.

We ourselves would stock up with beer, food and wine At SuperU  in St Pol de Leon  an overnight crossing, from Plymouth and then go for lunch at Les Alyzes on the Roscoff waterfront as soon as they open at midday -  but others would hold up their hands in horror at our wild extravagance. 

So you choose. Do it your way. And have a good trip.

Don’t suppose they’re bothered about looking for anything untoward, too much paperwork to fill in me thinks. 

The problem with this is it is section a AND section b. Section b says can’t unload goods into the EU. As others have said here and elsewhere, as a third country, we cannot take meat, dairy and a lot of fruit. There are very few confirmed reports of inspections. You make your choice. I can remember in days gone by being very worried abot the amount of wine we had, calculating litre and 70cl bottles, and how many packets of coffee we were bringing back. 
It’s life!

About 20 years ago, returning home we were pulled in by the French customs on an A road somewhere in central France. He asked what we had in the way of wine, spirits and cigarettes. we had been to Spain and had both wine and cigarettes. Receipts? Of course I hadn’t saved them. 

He covered his eyes and said “this time I do not see” and stepped out of the van, advising me to keep the receipts in future!

Never had any trouble going out or coming back Dover to Calais although we were once stopped at Dover by UK customs  and asked if we had any knives or fire arms!