Ugly fruit back on the market

Jul 1 2009

MIS-SHAPEN and odd looking fruit and veg will once again be available to buy in supermarkets, after 20-year-old EU rules are lifted.

The European Union has scrapped set standards for 26 varieties of fresh produce in an attempt to cut bureaucracy, a move that has been welcomed by supermarkets.

Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel said: "July 1 marks the return to our shelves of the curved cucumber and the knobbly carrot.

"We don't need to regulate this sort of thing at EU level. It is far better to leave it to market operators."

It is estimated that nearly 20% of produce is rejected because it doesn't meet the European regulations.

The fruit and veg that will no longer be under scrutiny are apricots, artichokes, asparagus, aubergines, avocadoes, beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflowers, cherries, courgettes, cucumbers, cultivated mushrooms, garlic, hazelnuts in shell, headed cabbage, leeks, melons, onions, peas, plums, ribbed celery, spinach, walnuts in shell, water melons and witloof/chicory.

However, 10 other products will still fall under the standards, including the kiwi, lettuce and strawberries.

A Tesco spokesperson said: "We welcome this move and it's not before time.

"We look forward to selling curly cucumbers and knobbly carrots while ensuring the quality of our ranges isn't compromised."

Information courtesy of BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8127461.stm