Posted by Baylen on Jun. 17, 2008
bananas.jpgThe EU has been great in many ways for member countries. A common currency and free movement across borders have been a boon for trade. On the downside, though, are the many stupid regulations that hinder trade.
The two-class rule for selling fruits & veggies–which creates categories based on conformity to some centrally dictated ideal–has long been one of the banes of sellers and has been responsible for driving up food prices. It’ll be no more, though, reports the Daily Mail, at least for some foods.
Bendy cucumbers and misshapen bananas are to make a comeback on supermarket shelves thanks to a change in EU laws.
Brussels bureaucrats have decided to ease strict guidelines governing the appearance of fruit and vegetables.
It is hoped the move will encourage shops to stock less-than-perfect-looking produce and cut down on the amount of food going to waste.
Under current rules, fruit and vegetables are classified into two grades, with ‘class one’ goods meeting strict criteria on size, shape and appearance.
It means apples are often rejected for being ‘too red’ or carrots for being ‘too wide’.
Although supermarkets can stock cheaper ‘class two’ produce, many choose not to because they believe their customers would not buy it.
Around 26 of the EU’s 36 directives will be abolished, although minimum standards will remain on goods including apples, lettuces and peaches.
More here. The NYT riffed on bendy-banana rules back at the dawn of the EU.
