Bringing South African biltong to the UK and the EU
When the first Dutch and European settlers traveled to South Africa they took something special; Biltong’s basic recipe. The idea of curing and drying meat had been around for centuries, probably millennia, and was also found among existing residents. South Africa’s abundance of game made it an ideal place for European settlers to settle, and the tradition of air-dried cured meat was the ideal way to make the most of this abundance. Biltong has become a delicious and versatile ‘processed’ meat, which is not only a favorite snack, but can provide the basis for a wide range of dishes, from soups to stews to salads. You’d think the EU wouldn’t care if people gave it back. Sadly, they do!
The ban on importing food products into the EU
Biltong, unfortunately, is governed by the strict regulations imposed by the EU on the import of food products. The import and export of food products between the EU countries themselves is not restricted. However, the import of meat and meat products, fish, poultry and plant products are subject to strict control when brought in from outside the EU. Food importers may import some items, but the lengthy and complex registration and authorization process is more than most can afford. So what is the problem and what are the restrictions?
Ultimately, the problem is that European authorities take concerns about the introduction of non-indigenous pests and diseases very seriously. An outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the UK in 2001 had a devastating impact on UK farmers and food suppliers. Most likely it was a local disaster, but authorities point to it as an example of how serious infections and illnesses can be. There are minor restrictions on some dairy and poultry products from non-EU countries, but restrictions on meat and meat products are the most stringent. Biltong, sadly for expats from South Africa, falls into this category. In the past, the restrictions were primarily aimed at commercial importers, but they have been extended to individual travelers and mean that it is now illegal to bring this type of product to EU countries, including the UK.
This means that there are heavy penalties for bringing “prohibited meat” into the EU and they are dealt with in accordance with regulations on smuggling. Entry into EU countries will be significantly delayed, possibly denied or end in legal proceedings, if you are caught trying to “smuggle” even the most innocuous snacks into an EU state. The laws also apply to postal deliveries from remote shores, which will be classified as an attempt to import illegal food products into the country and will result in the same penalties. Postal deliveries are likely to be detected more than attempts to accidentally bring a Biltong package into the EU, but neither is recommended and you should always refer to current EU regulations to avoid mistakes. Fortunately, with the growing number of South African residents in the UK and Europe, the idea of producing a little home while away has resulted in the production of Biltong in the UK and other EU nations. Using traditional South African recipes and methods, the number of biltong suppliers is increasing. Not only does it provide a much-needed reminder of home, but it also teaches a whole new generation of Europeans about the joys of Biltong.