London MEP says YES to good value fruit 'n' veg

12.00.00am GMT Fri 31st Oct 2008

London's Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament, Sarah Ludford, is supporting the EU change of heart whereby over-regulation of sales of fruit and vegetables is being jettisoned.

The rules have understandably been mocked in the past for restricting the sale of 'curvy cucumbers' or apples that are 'too red'.

Sarah Ludford welcomed this move: "I'm glad that Brussels has at long last listened to shoppers,

farmers, environmental groups and retailers who all know that 'imperfect' fruit and vegetables are just as tasty and nutritious as any other. Liberal Democrats want all such unnecessary regulations abolished."

"It is shameful to waste food at any time. But as rising checkout prices and global food shortages coincide with credit crunch and recession, it is madness to turn down perfectly good produce just because it doesn't fit bureaucratic rules on shape or colour. "

"Allowing shops to make use of a wider range of fruit and veg will be better value for everyone; they can sell us the wonky stuff a bit cheaper. But it will also be important to ensure that supermarkets pay farmers fairly."