Officers of the Jersey Customs and Immigrations Service seized over 50kgs of pork products, including sausages, cooked hams and minced meat, which had been brought over from Poland.
Jersey Evening Post report that the products, packaged in unmarked tins and plastic wrapping, violated the Jersey law which states that imported meat and animal products arriving on the island from the EU must be in the original, unopened packaging.
Shipments are also required to be marked for delivery to a registered business, accompanied by specific documentation and the Environment Health department must be notified of the delivery.
The strict legislation on the importing of pork and pork products reduces the risk of diseases such as African Swine Fever spreading on the island.
A spokesperson for JCIS said that the meat was being brought in by a member of the public travelling from Poland to Jersey.
JCIS reminded Jersey residents that there are strict procedures for the importation of certain animal products into the Channel Islands and the UK from Europe due to the risk of introducing diseases.
In line with measures introduced elsewhere in the UK in September, it is illegal to bring pork and pork products into the Island from Europe, unless it is:
– 2 kg or less for human consumption in the original unopened packaging and clearly health marked.
– 2 kg or less of pet feed in an unopened manufactured-sealed package.
There are no limits on pork or products imported commercially, so long as it is in the original unopened packaging, it is imported (or for delivery to) a registered business, and it is clearly health marked.