Ashford Port Health

26/10/2026

It’s UK Sausage Week!

From a classic bangers and mash to a full English breakfast, sausages are a firm favourite on menus and dinner tables across the country. From traditional Cumberland and Lincolnshire sausages to innovative new flavours, quality ingredients are at the heart of every great British banger.

But, behind the food we enjoy is a complex international supply chain - and when meat and other products of animal origin enter Great Britain, there are strict controls in place to help make sure they are safe.

At Ashford Port Health, our officers carry out checks on food imports arriving through the Short Straits, helping to identify products that don’t meet the required standards and stopping unsafe food from entering the UK food chain.

It’s an important part of protecting public and animal health, supporting food security and keeping our food supply safe.

So, while might be about celebrating the humble banger, we’re also celebrating the work that goes on behind the scenes to help keep the food on our plates safe.

Ashford Port Health - Your Gateway to Secure Borders and Safer Food

Stronger borders are smarter borders.

[email protected]
01233 648340

16/10/2026

World Food Day 2026

This year’s World Food Day theme is ‘Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.’ - a reminder that protecting the food of the future means thinking differently today.

At Ashford Port Health that starts at the border. Every day, our Port Health Officers work to stop unsafe food and other potential risks before they can enter the UK food chain - protecting public and animal health and playing a vital part in safeguarding Britain’s food security.

Innovation is helping us do that more effectively. By combining the expertise of our officers with smarter systems and new technology, we can target risk, strengthen border controls and keep safe food moving Stronger Borders are Smarter Borders.

As global food supply chains continue to change, we will continue to evolve with them - using innovation and professional expertise to help protect the food we rely on today and in the future.

Ashford Port Health - Your Gateway to Secure Borders and Safer Food.

[email protected]
01233 648340

15/10/2026

We are incredibly proud to announce that Ashford Port Health has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Awards 2026 in the category of Innovative Business of the Year.

This recognition reflects not only our pioneering AI project but also the tremendous achievements of Ashford Port Health since its inception. It is a testament to the dedication, innovation, resilience, and professionalism shown by our team every day.

A huge thank you to every member of staff. This achievement belongs to all of you! Your hard work, commitment, and willingness to embrace new ways of working have made this possible.

We're incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and are excited to represent Ashford Port Health.

🤞 Fingers crossed for the final result!

Ashford Port Health - Your Gateway to Secure Borders and Safer Goods

Smarter Borders are Stronger Borders

[email protected]

01233 648340

10/10/2026

💚 World Mental Health Day - 10 October 2026 💚

Behind every team is a group of people, and people matter.

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we want to recognise something that is just as important as the work we do every day at Ashford Port Health — the wellbeing of our staff. 💚

Our work plays an important role in protecting public health, food safety and biosecurity, and we know that working in a busy operational environment can bring its own pressures and challenges.

But we are more than colleagues working alongside one another. We are a team, and looking after each other should always be part of that.

Sometimes, support doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be a simple “Are you okay?”, taking the time to listen, sharing a laugh on a difficult day, or noticing when someone might need a little extra support.

We never truly know what someone may be dealing with outside of work, and a smile doesn’t always tell the whole story.

💚 Today is a reminder to:
🤝 Check in on one another.
💚 Be kind, patient and understanding.
👂 Take the time to listen without judgement.
🗣️ Encourage open conversations about mental health.
❤️ Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

A strong team isn’t just about what we achieve together; it’s also about how we support each other along the way.

At Ashford Port Health let’s continue to create an environment where people feel valued, supported and comfortable being themselves.

Because looking after people is just as important as the work we do.

Take care of yourself, look out for your colleagues, and remember — it’s okay not to be okay. 💚

Ashford Port Health - Your Gateway to Secure Borders and Safer Food

[email protected]
01233 648340

08/10/2026

🌶️ National Curry Week 🌶️

From a fragrant curry to a fiery vindaloo, many of the ingredients that give our favourite dishes their distinctive flavours start their journey overseas before reaching our kitchens.

At Ashford Port Health, we help protect public health and the UK's food supply chain by carrying out checks on a range of imported High-Risk Foods Not of Animal Origin (HRFNAO), including:

✅ Turmeric

✅ Ginger

✅ Pistachios

✅ Cumin

✅ Black Pepper

✅ Nutmeg

✅ Sesame Seeds

These products are subject to enhanced controls to help ensure they meet food safety standards before entering the UK market.

This , we're proud to play our part in keeping food safe, supporting bio-security, and helping ensure consumers can enjoy their favourite dishes with confidence.

From border to plate, protecting public health every step of the way.

Ashford Port Health - Your Gateway to Secure Borders and Safer Food.

Smarter Borders are Stronger Borders

[email protected]
01233 648340

08/10/2026

British Food Fortnight - 25th Anniversary

🍏🚢 From Border to Plate

This British Food Fortnight, we're proud of the role Ashford Port Health plays in protecting the UK's food supply chain.

Every check helps keep food safe, supports British agriculture, and protects public and animal health.

Ashford Port Health - Your Gateway to Secure Borders and Safer Food

Smarter Borders are Safer Borders

[email protected]
01233 648341

05/10/2026

- Celebrating 25 years.

celebrates the people and businesses producing food across the UK.

Ashford Port Health plays its part by protecting the nation's food chain at the border, carrying out checks on imported food and animal products to safeguard public health, biosecurity and consumer confidence.

Ashford Port Health - Your Gateway to Secure Borders and Safer Goods

Smarter Borders are Safer Borders

[email protected]
01233 648340

02/09/2026

A thought-provoking interview from Ashford Port Health's Director, Anthony Baldock, on ITV Meridian, discussing the proposed SPS alignment with the EU and the concerns this raises for those working on the front-line of border controls.

Port Health Authorities have invested significant time and expertise in developing systems that protect consumers, support bio-security, and ensure imported food meets the UK's high standards. Any changes to these arrangements must carefully consider the long-term implications for public health and the integrity of our border controls.

Catch up with the interview here: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/catch-up-watch-the-latest-edition-of-itv-news-meridian-east-from-tuesday-1st-september/wyt5lwy

Ashford Port Health - Your Gateway to Secure Borders and Safer Goods

Smart Borders are Stronger Borders

[email protected]
01233 648340

Watch the latest from ITV News - Watch the latest ITV News Meridian East programme from Tuesday 1st September

27/08/2026

🍔 National Burger Day – 27 August 🍔

From the classic cheeseburger to gourmet creations stacked high with unique toppings, burgers remain one of the nation's favourite comfort foods.

National Burger Day is celebrated on 27 August 2026, recognising one of the world's most popular and versatile meals.

At Ashford Port Health, we know that every food product has a journey before it reaches your plate. Our teams work behind the scenes to help ensure imported food products entering the UK meet the required standards, supporting food safety and consumer confidence.

Whether you're a fan of a traditional beef burger, a chicken burger, or a plant-based alternative, today is a great opportunity to appreciate the food supply chain that helps bring ingredients from around the world to our tables.

🍔 What's your ultimate burger topping combination?

Ashford Port Health - Your Gateway to Secure Borders and Safer Food

"A Smarter Border is a Stronger Border"

[email protected]
01233 648340

20/08/2026

🥓 National Bacon Lovers Day – 20 August 🥓

Whether it's part of a hearty breakfast, tucked into a sandwich, or adding flavour to your favourite dish, bacon remains one of the UK's most popular foods. National Bacon Lovers Day celebrates this much-loved staple and its place in kitchens around the world.

At Ashford Port Health, our work helps ensure that imported food products entering the UK meet the necessary standards to protect public health. While we don't inspect every rasher of bacon that reaches your plate, our teams play an important role in helping maintain confidence in the safety and traceability of food products arriving through our ports.

So today, whether you enjoy your bacon crispy or chewy, take a moment to appreciate the journey food takes from producer to plate.

🥓 What's your favourite bacon dish?

Ashford Port Health - Your Gateway to Secure Borders and Safer Food

"A Smart Border is a Stronger Border "

[email protected]
01233 648340