My son (who has Autism and other medical conditions) and I are traveling to the UK from the US next week, and we intended on packing a suitcase full of the foods on his restricted medical diet that we cannot get in the UK. He is a very picky eater and will starve himself if he doesn't have familiar foods that are not sensorily overwhelming.

None of these foods need to be refrigerated, are non-dairy, non-meat. This consists mainly of:

4 cans of enteral formula (non-dairy)
Three boxes of Capri-Sun (Mountain Cooler, reduced sugars, NO DYES)
Two (4) pack Organixcsoy milk drink boxes
(4) Soy Milk 64 oz boxes
(4) bags of non-corn-based, gluten-free Pasta
(1) box of gluten-free cookies
(1) loaf of gluten-free bread


I read on a site that I might be limited to 2 kg of medical food per person. But they talked about powdered milk infant formulas and special foods in one sentence. Does that 2 kg rule apply to my case? We are planning on putting the foods into the luggage not in the cabin.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

You shouldn't have any trouble bringing them in, provided you don't carry mosre than the stipulated amount of liquid in your carryons. To be extra careful, you may want to carry a letter from your physician/dietitian spelling out your son's needs, but it's probably not necessary.
Only restriction on foodstuff concerns certain meat products, fruit and vegetables, plus alcohol of course.

Does your son have celiac disease as well as autism? In UK spelt coeliac. There is a helpline you could contact on this website bottom of home page.
http://www.coeliac.org.uk/

The National Autistic Society may be able to help too.

http://www.nas.org.uk/

These types of products are available but does he want the precise packaging to feel comfortable?

I have tried to find relevant guidance for tourists but most of them are dealing with imports of food commercially or tourists bringing back food from the EU. There are stringent guidelines which affect the whole of Europe to prevent the import of infection and GM or hormone laden foods, however they are not relevant to you. I think perhaps your nearest UK consulate would be the best route for information. If there is a limit on allowances you can each bring in food up to the limit.

I have a friends with celiac disease and lactose intolerance so I understand the problem. I have to spring clean my kitchen before a visit from my celiac friend.

hi, mum,

I can't imagine that UK customs will be in the least bit interested in you bringing in the stuff you have listed, especially if it is in the checked luggage, in its original packaging. why would they?

to put your mind at rest that you can get things like the Capri-sun etc. here, google one of the big supermarkets like Sainsbury's - I'm sure you'll find that they stock it and the other things you mention.

as an aside, we took our ADHD son to italy at a time that he was very restricted in his diet, and it did wonders for him. Clearly he didn't have such severe problems as your son, but it was a positive experience for him and us.

Have a great trip,

regards, ann

I've not heard of enteral formula but all the other stuff is available in the UK.

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsP...yType=document

there is a leaflet that tells you what you can bring in to the EU.

Does your son drink the capri sun on the plane as well? You might not be allowed to take it in hand luggage on your return journey.

you can probably buy something similar airside at the airport on the way out - you're OK once you're past security.

Enteral formula is Prescription formula for people who cannot digest food. That is my son. It's over $80 a can, and he drinks one can every 1 1/2 days.

I think you need to find out whether US prescriptions can be dispensed in the UK and then bring some spare prescriptions to avoid problems if you need additional supplies.

This is the website of a major pharmacy with a store in central London (behind Selfridges, near Wigmore Hall)). They will probably be best equipped to answer questions about international prescriptions as they are in the heart of the medical district which deals with innumerable international patients.

http://www.johnbellcroyden.co.uk/web...es_-1_22_10251

I think you need to find out whether US prescriptions can be dispensed in the UK >>

They can't. Bring adaquate supplies. But many things that are prescription only in the USA are over the counter here (and vice versa). Google is your friend.

You could, if you have to, get a private prescription here, but it will cost a LOT(although probably less than in the US).

As I understand it, this is made up according to the need of each patient so you will at least need the prescription even if you have to get it written again here