Preparing a homemade ham and butter sandwich before heading to Gare du Nord was part of the ritual for many travelers to London. Now, this innocuous gesture can pose a problem when you board a Eurostar train to the British capital. Between the new health rules and the increased vigilance of customs, the picnic bag no longer has quite the same look. The famous ham or cheese snack is no longer guaranteed to arrive whole to Saint-Pancras.
Since April 12, 2025, the British government has prohibited the entry into its territory of any meat and everything dairy product transported for personal consumption by travelers from the European Union. Ham and butter, ham and cheese or even just cheese sandwiches prepared in Europe therefore fall into the category of products banned on arrival. The rule applies regardless of the means of transport chosen, train, plane, ferry or car. To the point where keeping a simple cheese snack in your bag can now be expensive.
Eurostar London ham and butter sandwich: what’s changed
This development does not come from Eurostar but from a decision by the British authorities, who want to slow down the circulation of the
foot and mouth disease detected in several European countries. Pork, beef, mutton, lamb, goat or deer meat, as well as milk and dairy products, can no longer cross the border. This animal disease is not transmissible to humans.
In fact, any preparation containing these ingredients is affected upon entry into the United Kingdom. A ham and butter sandwich, a ham and cheese or even a simple cheese snack fall on the prohibited list, just like cheese platters or cold cuts. Eurostar has warned its customers by email that “these restrictions include sandwiches, cheese and raw or cured meat. Certain exceptions apply to baby foods and those meeting a medical need“, recalls the railway company.
Meat, cheese, fine: what is prohibited or authorized
The authorities specify that any product containing meat or milk becomes prohibited, whether homemade, vacuum-packed or purchased duty-free. Pork, beef, mutton, lamb, goat or venison, cold meats and cheeses are on the front line. In the event of an inspection, the foodstuffs are seized and a fine of up to 5,000 pounds sterlingor approximately €5,900can be imposed in cases deemed to be the most serious.
To prepare for your trip, it is better to focus on what remains authorized on board and upon arrival. The texts cite bread, biscuits, cakes, chocolate, confectionery, chips, cereals, dried pasta or dried fruit, but also certain animal products such as fish, poultry, eggs or honey. Eurostar also reminds that picnic food intended to be consumed during the journey remains accepted.
- Prohibited : pork, beef, mutton, lamb, goat, venison, cold meats, milk, cheeses and dishes containing them.
- Authorized : bread, biscuits, cakes, chocolate, confectionery, crisps, cereals, dried pasta, dried fruit, fish, poultry, eggs, honey, fruit and vegetables in reasonable quantities.
Foot and mouth disease and reactions of travelers to London
A small exception targets families: a little powdered infant milk or special foods for medical reasons remain authorized, up to 2 kg per person and in original packaging.