I came over a couple of weeks ago with all my Mountain House dehydrated meals and a few other purchased dried items, as I usually do, with no issues. If it's hermetically sealed at a factory and not homemade (and even then I feel it's 99% okay), is there a real issue here, other than not paying tax on it?

That said, this was the first time there was an announcement on Virgin Atlantic about bringing food in.

And I don't offer any extra information, just that I'm hiking across Scotland on an annual organized event.

I'm more worried about the immigration officers grilling me about my visit and showing proof of a flight home, which happens every time I come in, without fail.

And, yes, coming to the US, no dairy, meat or fruit allowed, although dried fruit is okay. You can bring that and other food, I.e. Tea, chocolate, spices, etc. in as long as you claim it on your arrival card and it's for your consumption or gifts.

Good point about the return ticket, Julie. Way back in the day - '93 - I was coming into the UK from France and had, shall we say, an interesting dialogue with immigration. My then GrrrrlFiend (US citizen)was refused entry. She's an artist, and they were looking for a work permit, la la.