The ban on yachtsmen landing food sourced in the UK on overseas territory has been lifted, as a result of a DEFRA committee meeting late last week.

The ban was put in place as a result of the Foot and Mouth disease outbreak in Surrey, which began on 3 August. Exports and movement of animals within the UK were prohibited to halt the spread of the disease. This ban also prevented yachtsmen from taking UK-sourced meat and dairy products ashore.

The statement released by the MCA is as follows:

“The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has been informed by Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that EU restrictions on the export of meat and dairy products have now been lifted.

“As a result, meat and dairy products sourced within Great Britain for consumption onboard vessels can be carried abroad as normal and waste stemming from the consumption of these products can be landed as previously.

“Accordingly, the MCA will now cease to broadcast advice from DEFRA with regards to the restrictions as part of its Maritime Safety Information Broadcasts.”