Over 208 tonnes of unsafe food stopped at UK border by Ashford Port Health Authority

Ashford Port Health Authority has prevented more than 208 tonnes of unsafe food from reaching UK consumers, equivalent to the weight of around 35 elephants. 39 tonnes of this has been destroyed since 20th March 2026.

Since November 2024, officers have seized and destroyed 208,563.81 kilograms of food products deemed unfit for human consumption. Included in this figure are 39 tonnes which has been intercepted and removed from the supply chain since 20 March 2026, alone. 

Importantly, all costs associated with the seizure and destruction of these goods are fully recovered from the importers responsible, meaning there is no cost to the UK taxpayer.

The figures highlight both the scale of activity at the UK border and the critical role played by Ashford Port Health Authority in protecting public health and safeguarding the UK against biosecurity risks.

These are not minor issues or paperwork errors. The products identified and destroyed posed a genuine risk, including food that was incorrectly documented, improperly stored, contaminated before or during transit or failed to meet UK safety standards. In some cases, such goods can also present a pathway for serious animal and plant diseases to enter the country if not identified and stopped at the border.

Ashford Port Health Authority operates at the frontline of the UK’s biosecurity system, carrying out rigorous checks on imported goods to ensure they are safe, compliant, and fit for consumption. This work has become increasingly important in light of recent disease outbreaks in Europe and the ongoing need to protect the UK’s food chain and agricultural sector.

To support this, the Authority has also been investing in new technology, including the use of AI-driven systems to assist with import document checks. These systems help to rapidly process large volumes of paperwork, allowing officers to focus their expertise where risk is highest and strengthening the overall effectiveness of border controls.

Anthony Baldock, corporate director of health and wellbeing at Ashford Port Health Authority said:

“Every one of these consignments represents food that could have ended up on someone’s plate. Our role is to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“These figures show the scale of what we are dealing with on a daily basis, but they are only one part of the picture. Our work, and that of the wider Port Health Authorities,  is also about protecting the UK from wider risks, including the potential spread of serious diseases.

“We are continuing to strengthen our approach, combining experienced officers with new technology to ensure we remain effective as volumes and complexity increase.”

The latest figures come as national attention continues to focus on border controls and food safety, with Ashford Port Health Authority handling the highest volume of commercial freight checks in the country.

The Authority is continuing to invest in systems and processes to strengthen its ability to detect and intercept unsafe goods, ensuring that standards are upheld and consumers remain protected.

Media enquiries contact:
Lisa Harris, lisa@pillorybarn.co.uk or call 07515 496321
Zoe Gaze, zoe.g@pillorybarn.co.uk