THE National Union of Farmers has signalled its approval for a new Government initiative to crack down on smuggling.

For the first time, the power to inspect personal baggage will be given to environmental health enforcement officers in an effort to clamp down on the illegal imports of food.

The move comes after Government scientists concluded that foot and mouth had almost certainly entered the country through illegal imports.

NFU food standards chairman Michael Seals said: "Granting enforcement officers appropriate powers to stop and search is a major step forward if the UK is to be well and truly safeguarded from the threat of animal and plant diseases from around the globe."

Updated: 08:48 Thursday, May 30, 2002