Food smuggled into Northern Ireland could plunge the region into another animal health crisis like last year's foot-and-mouth epidemic, it was warned today.
Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer, Mr Bert Houston, called for a clampdown on illegal food imports, which exposed the region's agri-food industry to animal health danger.
Unveiling publicity material on the dangers of food smuggling, aimed at travellers arriving at airports and sea ports, Mr Houston said it was vital that controls remained in place.
"The importance of animal health controls at seaports and airports was highlighted during the foot-and-mouth outbreak and is specifically covered in the recently published independent review of foot-and-mouth disease," he said at Belfast City Airport.
"The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development relies on the co-operation of the harbour authorities, airline and ferry operators and others in reminding travellers of the rules covering the importation of food and in carrying out spot checks to ensure compliance.
"It is vital that such illegal imports are stopped to safeguard the integrity of our agri-food industry," he said.