The UK government has introduced a temporary ban on Brits bringing back EU meat and cheese products, as it attempts to crack down on the spread of foot and mouth disease.

Brits bringing the prohibited products into the country, from travels on the continent, could face up to a £5000 fine, whether the products are packed or duty-free, reported the BBC.

The list of restricted products include pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat, venison, and dairy products like milk, butter, cheese and yoghurt.

Alongside personal use, there are further regulations limiting on the commercial importation of these products from any EU countries, as well as hay and straw and any live animal belonging to an FMD-susceptible species.

The new restrictions follow similar bans implemented earlier this year in countries including Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria.

While it is understood the disease poses no risk to human or food safety, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.

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According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), it can cause “significant economic losses” due to production losses in the affected animals.

Last month, the UK government eased restrictions on the import of German meat and dairy products, following “rigorous” technical assessments deeming some areas were declared safe again.

Speaking to the BBC, National Farmers Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw praised the government for the speed it brought in the initial ban, and said he supported the regulations being extended.

“While the FMD source remains unidentified in parts of Europe, stricter border controls are essential,” he said.

“It’s imperative we have a comprehensive cross-government biosecurity plan with the necessary investment behind it, and which would place these restrictions on a permanent legislative footing.”