Illegal Meat Imports Hit Record Levels at Dover
Dover Seizes Record 34 Tonnes of Illegal Meat
Nearly 34 tonnes of illegally imported meat were seized at the Port of Dover in January 2026. This marked the highest monthly total since records began.
According to reporting by BBC News, the seizures have triggered renewed concerns over UK border biosecurity. These concerns are heightened particularly as outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) continue across parts of continental Europe.
Authorities confirmed that the intercepted meat products were not properly declared and did not meet UK import requirements. The scale of the discovery significantly exceeds previous monthly records, highlighting growing pressure on border enforcement systems.
Industry bodies have repeatedly warned that illegal meat imports present a serious risk to domestic livestock production. Diseases such as ASF and FMD pose no risk to human health. However, they can have devastating economic consequences for pig and cattle sectors if introduced into the national herd.
The latest seizure adds momentum to calls for strengthened inspection capacity. There are also calls for enhanced intelligence sharing and tighter enforcement at key entry points.
Source: BBC News | 11 February 2026
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