Bringing Beef Jerky to France: A Guide to Importing Dried Meat Products

Beef jerky is a popular high-protein snack made from thinly sliced salted and dried beef. But can you bring beef jerky into France when traveling or importing food products? Unfortunately while fresh and frozen meat imports are allowed from certain countries, bringing beef jerky and other dried meats into France is strictly prohibited.

Below we will cover the French customs rules regarding dried meat products, explain why beef jerky is banned, and offer some safer travel-friendly alternatives you can enjoy instead.

Overview of French Customs Rules for Meat Products

France maintains very stringent customs regulations when it comes to bringing animal products into the country, This is to minimize the risk of foreign pests and diseases entering France and impacting agriculture and food safety,

Here are the key things to know about importing meat:

• Fresh, frozen, salted and smoked meats from EU countries are generally allowed, if for personal consumption. This includes products like sausages, ham, bacon, etc.

• Dried meats like beef jerky, biltong, etc. are prohibited, even from EU countries.

• Fresh, dried, cured, salted or smoked meats from non-EU countries are prohibited.

• Breaching these rules can lead to confiscation, fines, and even prison time in some cases.

So why is beef jerky specifically not allowed? Let’s look at the reasons behind the ban.

Why Beef Jerky is Banned in France

While fresh meat imports are regulated based on country disease status, the ban on beef jerky applies equally to all countries, even those in the EU. Here are the main reasons:

• Food safety risks – The curing and drying process does not guarantee full elimination of pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. And French authorities have no oversight of production in third countries.

• Ingredient concerns – Unknown ingredients may be used in meat curing and drying overseas, some of which are banned in the EU. For example, preservatives like nitrites/nitrates have limits in EU.

• Disease transmission – Dehydration does not necessarily kill all viruses and bacteria that may be present in the raw meat. Jerky could transmit foreign animal diseases.

• Invasive pests – Dried meats may contain larvae, mites or other livestock parasites that could impact French livestock and meat production.

So for these reasons, beef jerky and other dried meats are classified as prohibited imports and will be confiscated if found by customs. Fines can range from €1,500 up to €45,000 in some cases.

Safe Alternatives to Bring on Trips to France

While you can’t import beef jerky to enjoy as a snack in France, there are still plenty of travel-friendly options you can bring instead:

• Canned tuna/chicken – Vacuum-sealed canned fish and meat products are safe and allowed.

• Hard cheeses – Firm cheeses like cheddar, gouda and parmesan make good snacks.

• Dried fruits/veggies – Bring dried apple chips, banana chips, raisins, carrots or mangoes.

• Nuts/seeds – Packages of unsalted nuts or seeds in your carry-on bag provide protein.

• Protein bars – Look for options with limited ingredients and no meat products.

• Peanut/nut butters – Single-serve packs are perfect for travel.

• Hummus and crackers – Bring small tubs of hummus and your favorite crackers or pretzels.

• Veggie chips – Potato, beet, carrot or parsnip chips offer crunch.

With some creative planning, you can still enjoy delicious, filling and protein-rich snacks on your travels in France without beef jerky. Focus on safe non-meat options to avoid confiscation or penalties from customs. And when in doubt, remember dried meats are prohibited, even from the US and EU. Bon voyage!