When the first Dutch and European settlers traveled to South Africa, they took something special with them; the basic recipe for Biltong. The idea of curing and drying meat has been around for centuries, probably millennia, and was among the existing residents as well. South Africa’s abundance of game made it an ideal place for European settlers to settle, and the tradition of curing meat in the open air was the ideal way to make the most of this abundance. Biltong has become a delicious and versatile ‘processed’ meat, which is not only a favorite snack, but can also provide the base for a wide variety of dishes, from soups to stews and salads. You’d think the EU wouldn’t care if the people brought it back. Unfortunately, they do!
The ban on importing food products into the EU
Unfortunately, Biltong is subject to the strict rules that the EU imposes on the importation of food products. The import and export of food products between the EU countries themselves is not restricted. However, the import of meat and meat products, fish, poultry and plant products are subject to strict control when brought from outside the EU. Food importers can import some items, but the lengthy and complex registration and permit process is more than most can handle. So what is the problem and what are the restrictions?
The problem, in short, is that the European authorities take concerns about the introduction of non-native pests and diseases very seriously. An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK in 2001 had a devastating impact on UK farmers and food suppliers. It was most likely a local disaster, but authorities point to it as an example of how serious infections and disease can be. There are fewer restrictions on some dairy and poultry products from non-EU countries, but the restrictions on meat and meat products are the most stringent. Biltong, sadly for South African expats, falls under this category. In the past, the restrictions were largely aimed at commercial importers, but they have been extended to individual travelers and means that it is now illegal to bring these types of products into EU countries, including the UK.
This means there are strong penalties for bringing ‘illegal meat’ into the EU and it is dealt with under smuggling regulations. Entry into EU countries will be severely delayed, possibly denied or end up in court proceedings, if you are caught trying to ‘smuggle’ even the most innocuous snacks into an EU state. The laws also apply to postal deliveries from far shores, which will be classified as an attempt to import illegal food into the country and will result in the same penalties. Postal deliveries are probably more likely to be detected than attempts to accidentally bring a package of Biltong into the EU, but neither is recommended and you should always check current EU rules to avoid mistakes. Fortunately, with the increasing number of South African residents in the UK and Europe, the idea of producing a bit of home while away has resulted in Biltong production in the UK and other EU nations. Using traditional South African methods and recipes, the number of biltong purveyors is increasing. Not only does it provide a much-needed reminder of home, but it also teaches a whole new generation of Europeans about the joys of Biltong.
