Important informationThese pages are being revised. More information on food and feed imports into the UK can be found on the Food Standards Agency website. |
Feed and food products of non-animal origin are any products that do not contain any ingredients derived from animals or animal products.
Some examples of products of non-animal origin (non-POAO) are:
- fruits
- vegetables
- nuts
- confectionary
- cereals
- herbs
- spices
Most products of non-animal origin may enter through any port, although importers should contact the port or the local authority in whose area the port is situated to check that the port has the necessary facilities in place to handle food.
The legislation controlling products of non-animal origin imports into the UK is Regulation 2017/625. This is implemented in Scotland by the Official Feed and Food Controls (Scotland) Regulations 2009 (as amended).
In general terms official controls on such products will be carried out regularly by the local authority port health team on a risk-assessed basis. These will include document checks as well as identity and physical checks, as appropriate. FSS is the competent authority for imports of non-POAO feed.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 (as amended) imposes temporary increase of official controls, special measures and emergency measures governing the entry into the European Union of certain products of non-animal origin from certain third countries implementing Regulations (EU) 2017/625 and (EC) No 178/2002.
This regulation also lists the products, their country of origin and the frequency of checks that must be carried out.
High-risk products
Some feed and food of non-animal origin products are designated to be high risk. A high-risk product is feed or food that is either a known, or an emerging risk to public health. This may be due to the presence of pathogens, contaminants and toxins including aflatoxins.
When a product is designated as high risk, it can only enter the UK through ports and airports approved as Border Inspection Posts (BCPs). At BCPs additional official controls will be carried out.
Visit the FSA website for more guidance on importing high-risk products.
