Fruit and vegetables deemed too misshapen to be sold to
consumers can be stocked in supermarkets from Wednesday (1 July)
thanks to changes to EU marketing regulations.
Until now, retailers have believed irregular-shaped produce
could not be sold due to their imperfections.
But clarification of EU rules simplify how retailers can market
produce without misleading consumers.
Jim Fitzpatrick, food and farming minister, said the simplified
rules would help retailers label produce correctly and offer more
choice for people who are not concerned by the shape of fruit or
vegetables.
"It also means that producers and suppliers won't be stuck with
as many leftovers, so there'll be less food waste," he added.
Twenty-six types of fruit and vegetables will now be covered by
General Marketing Standards, which mean retailers will be able to
market them without giving the impression produce is imperfect.
So long as it is clean, free from pests or diseases, is not
rotten, and is labelled with the country of origin, retailers will
be able to market produce as they see fit.
Ten other types of produce remain subject to Specific Marketing
Standards, which are stricter, but there is an allowance for the
fruit and vegetables covered to be marketed for processing if they
fall below the standard.