Taking food to france

[Lovelyflowerpetal]

I’m unsure about the rules re meat and dairy. Does it just apply to fresh food please?
I have a DS autistic and he hates supermarkets at the best of times. I was thinking of buying all the boring stuff in the UK like store cupboard things then whiz round the supermarket once there for all the lovely fresh food. This is how we have always done it but it was before Brexit. So if I take tinned dried goods do the rules still apply no meat or dairy? Thanks

Tinned stuff is OK. And things like crisps/snacks etc. Technically you're allowed beans but NOT beans and sausages. No-one is going to check though realistically. I don't risk coming back with bacon, sausages and legs of pork anymore, but my friends seem to smuggle pork pies with impunity. There isn't anywhere where they stop cars when getting off shuttle/ferry.

Thank you for your reply. That makes me feel better. We are on a budget too so didn’t want food confiscated

What now? This is really strange advice you have just got, I don't know if this is somebody who doesn't travel often, but they definitely do check. I haven't tested every single port, but have been asked to open my boot on several occasions, when taking the ferry. Avoid the meat and dairy and stay on the safe side!

puttingontheritz does it apply to tinned and dried goods? It’s just so I know to check ingredients. Thank you

Here is the official French government website information.

Nothing meat or dairy - fresh, dried, tinned whatever and very limited fresh fruit and vegetables.

Tinned vegetables, things like squash, tea, baked beans, cereals, pasta etc are all good.

As for being checked- fwiw, I'm in a number of camping/motorhome groups on FB as well as traveling regularly myself, and the French do check- not everyone every time, but increasingly often.

Much less stressful to stick to the rules, your idea of taking the basics with you is a good idea- even with the restrictions you should be able to cut down on supermarket shopping considerably.

Would your DC be ok with local markets? There are usually lots of fresh produce stalls inc. meat, fish and cheeses?

Forgot link!

www.douane.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/2021-03/10/travellers-what-kinds-of-food-and-plants-can-you-bring-with-you.pdf

When the rules came in I read about lorry drivers having their packed lunches of ham sandwiches confiscated, so they definitely do check. You could try and hide it, eg under boot floor or well packed at the bottom of suitcases, but it would be a hell of a risk to take a lot of food and have it taken off you.

If you're not the only adult travelling, can one of you do the supermarket run and the other take DS to the park/beach/other place where he's likely to be comfortable?

The link above just says plant or plant products and does say fresh or refrigerated fruit/vegetables in one part but also just says fruit and vegetables and doesn't specify if tinned is ok. I'm finding it very confusing and will be in a similar situation soon!

i travel to France very often, yes there are occasional stops and the rules are there for a reason, so pls don't break them, the UK no longer abides by EU food std rules, we voted for this.

tbh i'd be more keen on getting a crit air sticker, many towns in France have permanent clean air zones and dozens more have and do enforce temporary ones.
For a modern car, they are cheap at £3 and could save you a large fine, there is no charge to get one, so go through the official Govt site.

Someone I know was stopped for a cheese sandwich. It's illegal. If you take the risk, be prepared to pay the fine.
Brexit - the gift that keeps on giving....

Thank you everyone for your advice, you have been very helpful. I think I will stick to vegan safe foods just to be on the safe side.

We just have to be prepared as possible when going on holiday. I don’t drive unfortunately but I’m also the cook so going separately isn’t an option. My DH would come back with lots of snacks and wine but no meals ha

I'm very confused, would something vegan be a plant product?