Fanciers of French delicacies will be able to purchase products at the Norman market this week – despite concerns it would have to be cancelled amid an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the continent.
Traders from Maison de Normandie will set up shop at the Weighbridge from tomorrow until Friday 23 May, before moving to the Royal Square on Saturday to Monday 26 May.
The decision comes after a temporary ban was put in place earlier this month, that restricted islanders from bringing animal products back from France and the wider EU single market – which also covers the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland – as Jersey tightens its defences against the highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
It formed Jersey’s first major import ban on meat and cheese since 2007, and follows other Crown Dependencies, after an increase in confirmed cases of foot and mouth disease across parts of Europe, including Germany, Slovakia and Hungary.
However, the ban – which currently has no end date – specified the restriction of products intended for personal use, meaning the commercial French market can still take place as the products can be accurately traced and inspected.
Islanders will be able to purchase the usual tasty fare, such as cider, saucissons, fruit, cheese and crepes, from 09:00 to 18:00 from Thursday 22 to Monday 26 May.
Tomorrow, the market will open from 11:30.