Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

A welcome return to nobbly vegetables- Bowles

November 14, 2008 3:00 PM
Originally published by Sharon Bowles MEP

EU laws which ensured fruit and vegetables were sold in standard sizes have been repealed by the European Commission. Nobbly carrots and curved cucumbers are now set to make a come back to our shop shelves and market stools.

The original laws were put in place following calls from food buyers to assist them in contracts for large-scale purchases. It was the government that first imposed these rules long before the EU introduced this legislation.

These rules had recently come under attack from groups such as Sainsbury's who argued that scrapping them could reduce prices by as much as 40%.

In response, the European Commission decided to repeal some of the rules which have prevented the sale of misshapen fruit and vegetables.

Sharon has welcomed the decision and looks forward to cheaper products for those customers who want to buy this way.

Commenting she said:

"Supermarkets demanded these standards in the first place so they knew exactly what they would be getting if they ordered a box of cucumbers. Modern practices now make this less necessary so it is appropriate to do away with these rules.

Curved carrots to return to supermarket shelves"Following the very worrying obesity statistics published this week it is important that we don't put obstacles in the way of healthy eating and encourage lower prices for fresh produce."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    southeastlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2008/038107/a-welcome-return-to-nobbly-vegetables-bowles
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    se.lib.dm/a71Dl

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image