Food - Birmingham airport

Information about the Council food safety responsibilities at Birmingham airport.

Port Health

We are responsible for the provision of a port health medical facility at Birmingham International Airport.

The Public Health (Aircraft) Regulations 1979 require the appointment of an authorised Medical Officer at Birmingham Airport.

The Medical Officer may be required for the following reasons;

1. To board an aircraft if a passenger is suffering from an infectious disease.

2. To medically examine a passenger referred by an Immigration Officer

We are contracted to visit the airport on a weekly basis to collect the medical forms of all passengers examined. We also update the information to passengers on the International Health Regulations. You may notice this information in the form of posters next time you walk through customs!

Imported Food

Food bought into this country from abroad will come through either a sea port or airport. We are responsible for inspecting and controlling any food that arrives at Birmingham International Airport (BIA).

Food Officers will visit to inspect the food and issue a certificate confirming it is suitable for human consumption. Should the food be unfit or an illegal import, Officers will serve a notice to have the food destroyed or re-exported.

Every year approximately 253 tonnes of food pass through the airport and the great majority is fresh vegetables and fruit. The reason for this is that Birmingham is not designated as a Border Inspection Post and can therefore only receive a limited range of foods.

Any food or food product containing an ingredient of animal origin cannot be allowed to enter as the handling and storage facilities are inadequate. This includes any of the following:

• Red meat
• Poultry meat
• Fishery products
• Egg products
• Milk & milk based products
• Honey

This will apply whether or not the food is intended for human consumption or for sample/testing purposes only.

With the ever expanding numbers of destinations and connections available from Birmingham International Airport (BIA) the opportunity to bring in food from across the globe has never been greater.

It is however, vitally important that any person or company proposing to bring in food through BIA be aware of certain restrictions that may apply.

If you want to import food through Birmingham International Airport (BIA) you are advised to phone us first (0121 704 6837) or email esfood@solihull.gov.uk. Provide the officer that you speak to with as much detail as possible about the food you wish to import. By doing this we can usually advise you quickly if we can accept the food at BIA.

If this does not happen and a consignment of food arrives containing product of animal origin, the importer will then be liable for any costs incurred in having the food destroyed, moved or re-exported under the control of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise (a legal requirement)!

Contact Details

For more information please contact Environmental Health

Telephone: 0121 704 6833

Email: environmentalhealth@solihull.gov.uk