Return of trad fruit and veg

EU laws which ensured fruit and vegetables were sold in standard sizes have now been repealed by the European Commission, so even curved cucumbers are set to make a come back to our shop shelves and market stallls.

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.

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

The Liberal Democrat MEP 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. 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."