I'm getting more and more confused, and a bit paranoid, about what I can and can't bring back into the UK food-wise? First it was fresh fruit and vegetables, which I sort of understand, but now it seems to be pretty much any foods. A friend said they had South African biltong confiscated on their last trip to Cape Town. How do I find out? Barbara Elwes, Plymouth

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: The best way to find out in advance, and thereby avoid a sweaty palmed shimmy through customs, is to visit the HM Revenue and Customs website at www.hmrc.gov.uk. There is also a helpline on 0845 010 9000 (Monday to Friday between 8am to 8pm) and a brief, useful, and free podcast, which highlights what you can and can't bring back into the country.

Since the rules changes in 2003, pretty much all meat and dairy products have been banned. The same goes for plants and seeds, fruit, vegetables, bulbs etc. However, it is possible to import a small quantity of honey and fish.

The rules are different if you are returning from another EU country, from where meat and animal products can imported, providing that they are for your personal consumption.

If you are still unsure on the day, you should pass through the Red Channel and speak to a customs officer. Any declared banned or restricted food items will be confiscated, and no other action will be taken.

Remember that regardless of where you are travelling from, you aren't allowed to bring in parts of endangered animals or plants to the UK without the proper permits. This includes caviar, ivory, skins, hides and shells, and any products made from them.

And yes, I'm afraid that biltong, along will all other smoked or dried meats, is banned too.

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