Ban on taking formula milk into Europe?

[Quimble]

Has anyone successfully taken formula milk powder into Italy recently (ie in the last month)? I have heard that it is being confiscated due to Foot and Mouth in the UK, and although the ban on the movement of baby milk has now been lifted, it is taking a while to filter through to the customs officers at the airports. I'm going to Italy this Saturday and would love some reassurance that it's going to be OK!

What is the brand you are using and don't they sell it in Italy ? I know that France, Belgium, Switzerland and Holland have all had suitable alternatives when I went there(I didn't always feel like carrying cans!)

Hi Pupuce, I use SMA gold and I phoned them to check and it is not available in Italy. Since it's my first trip abroad with my baby, and I arrive on Saturday afternoon, I am nervous about the shops being shut until Monday am - typical first time mother I know.

According to press reports, the ban on the export of infant formula in non-commercial quantities has certainly been lifted. I think you should be ok Quimble although it might be worth giving your airline a call to double check.Did SMA have any advice?

Just take the cans with you -worst case -they get confiscated... I am afraid I am not familiar with shop's opening hours in Italy but I can't believe ALL will be closed. To start with I am sure there are pharmacies which are open for emergencies (the case in every country I have ever visited)and you can find formula in pharmacies. You might just need help from the hotel or place you are staying at to let you know where to go.

I used to live in Italy. Pharmacies are the best place to buy formula,in fact where I was it was difficult to find anywhere else (in the back of beyond in Sardinia!!) and I know that the Milupa brand exists over there (and several other brands not over here). But they're fine, I fed my daughter (now 11) on them. Shops are usually open from 0800 to 13.00 and then again from 17.00 to 20.00. Tinned babyfood isn't quite the same over there, so if you need it put in a couple of packets of dried food, and use bottled water to make up feeds.

One thing - you'll love Italy with a baby - they love kids and are much more helpful than over here! Enjoy your hols. And make sure you have your E111!!

Sue

Dear SC - thank you so much for your advice. I hadn't thought of pharmacies to buy formula. Since I am staying right in the centre of Florence, I'm sure I will be able to find one open!

Try calling the Italian embassy. We recently went on holiday to Spain and were told we could take infant formula into the country as long as the products were sealed. Do take your own milk/baby food if you can as the brands we know and love over here really don't seem to appear - even on the shelves of large supermarkets. My husband thought I was mad taking everything with me but agreed it was worth it when we discovered what a limited choice there was. Have a fabulous time. We're all jealous!!

Just to say, I'm back from Italy and there was no problem taking the formula with me. I took sealed containers, and made-up bottles, and was not stopped or searched at any point. There were warning notices up about foot and mouth when we arrived at Florence airport, but these did not mention baby milk or other baby food. And we had a lovely time!

Glad you had fun - when you get a moment will you post a review for us so when we collate summer sun next time we'll have some more good Italian places to recommend.

Ta