German meat and dairy banned due to foot-and-mouth

Meat and dairy products from Germany have been banned in Guernsey after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

All imported products from pigs, sheep, cattle and goats in Germany are prohibited, including sausages, cured meats, butter and cheese.

The States of Guernsey said the food ban would help protect the island's livestock from risk of the "highly contagious" disease.

The UK Government has said FMD poses no risk to human health.

The States announced new rules for islanders returning to the Bailiwick from EU countries (except Germany) and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

They can only bring home food products from pigs and ruminants for personal consumption if the goods are packaged to EU commercial standards and weigh no more than 2kg (4.4lb) per person.

The food should also bear an identification or health mark to prove it has been commercially produced.

States veterinary officer David Chamberlain said: "FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.

"We urge islanders not to bring prohibited animal products to the Bailiwick from the EU to avoid introducing this virus to our local herds, which could have a devastating impact on animal health and welfare."

The restrictions do not apply to infant milk, medical foods and certain products such as some chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits, pasta and food supplements.

The States said any prohibited products imported would be placed in secure bins at the harbour and airport.

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