Dutch Officials Are Confiscating Drivers' Sandwiches At The Border. Here's Why

It's a tough life, being an over-the-road trucker. They've got a long way to go, and a short time to get there, and sometimes the only thing that's keeping them going may be a cup of coffee (or other uber-caffeinated beverage) and a sandwich. Well, imagine the plight of the poor drivers headed eastbound and down out of the UK and over the North Sea into the Netherlands, only to be met at the ferry terminal by Johnny Law — or rather, Hans Law, since these are Dutch officials — demanding they hand over that sandwich, stat!

Well, according to The Guardian, that is exactly what is happening, not just to truckers but to day-trippers, or any travelers arriving from the UK. Anyone, no matter what passport they hold, is subject to having their vehicle searched and their food products confiscated. So what brought about this sudden need to surrender the snacks? In two words, blame Brexit (not to be confused with Megxit).

A new law that went into effect on January 1, 2021, forbids anyone from transporting any POAO (products of animal origin) into the European Union from a non-EU nation, which is what the UK now is. This means no ham, no cheese, and definitely no ham and cheese sandwiches. Not such bad news for any vegan British truckers, if any of these exist (and if they do, they're way past due for their own reality TV series).

While the UK government says that there are certain exceptions made to the rule for infant formula or food and certain types of pet food, adults with edible contraband will just have to use it or lose it before they hit the ferry docks. It is all for a good cause, though — the European Commission points out that meat or milk-based food products brought into the EU outside of official importation channels "present a real threat to animal health throughout the Union," as they may be a source of "dangerous pathogens that cause animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease and classical swine fever." 

In light of the fact that there's still a worldwide pandemic going on....yeah, it's best to just surrender the sandwich without a fight. Plus, you can always get stroopwafels and oliebollen on the other side.