Biltong governing the importation of meat-based products from non-EU countries laid down by HM Customs and Excise and its successor HM Revenue and Customs, thus it is made in the UK. In the United States, biltong is relatively rare as beef jerky has been traditionally the more popular dried meat snack. Within the last five years, biltong has begun a small emergence within the United States, particularly from South African immigrants who have brought their local culture and foods with them. This has been most common in affluent areas of major cities where the local population can afford to experience a
Biltong of Southern Africa, such as the Khoikhoi, preserved meat by slicing it into strips, curing it with salt, and hanging it up to dry. European seafarers preserved meat for their long journeys by curing meat in salt or brine. European settlers (Dutch, German, French) who arrived in southern Africa in the early 17th century used vinegar in the curing process, as well as saltpetre (potassium nitrate). The potassium nitrate in saltpeter kills" Clostridium botulinum", the deadly bacterium that causes botulism while the acidity of the vinegar inhibits its growth. According to the World Health Organization, "C. botulinum" will not grow