A confirmed Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in Greece has triggered temporary UK restrictions on imports of meat, milk, and animal by-products from Greece. Discover the official measures, impacts on Italian exporters, and compliance steps.
What is the FMD Outbreak in Greece
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), known as foot-and-mouth disease, affects cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats. Highly contagious, it spreads through contact, air, or contaminated vehicles. The UK has detected a case in Greece, activating emergency protocols to safeguard its own livestock.
According to the official GOV.UK guidance, these restrictions are temporary and aim to block cross-border risks.
UK Restrictions: Affected Products
The British government has suspended imports from Greece for:
- Fresh, chilled, frozen or processed meat without specific heat treatments
- Raw milk and dairy products not adequately pasteurised
- Animal by-products (blood, bones, hides)
- Hay, straw and forage
- Natural casings and collagen
Only products certified with equivalent treatments (e.g. pH<6 or pasteurisation) may enter.
Impact on Italian Exporters to the UK
Greek ingredients in Italian products fall under the restrictions. Examples:
- Salami with untreated Greek meat
- Cheeses with Greek milk
- Feeds with Greek straw
Does not automatically block Made in Italy, but requires supply chain verification and additional health certificates for UK customs.
How to Verify UK Export Compliance
- Map raw materials: Identify Greek origins via invoices/suppliers
- Check treatments: Pasteurisation, pH, EU/TRACES certifications
- Obtain certificates: CVED with “FMD-free processing” declaration
- Monitor GOV.UK: Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products
FMD Greece: Outlook and Evolution
The suspensions are temporary. OIE/EU checks in Greece will determine duration. Historical precedent: 2001 outbreaks required months of restrictions.
Italian exporters: Diversify suppliers, prepare contingency plans.
Fresh Ways monitors EU-UK regulations daily for your exports.
