12th November 2008 - Statement on changes to "cucumber" rules

Following a vote of a committee of expert representatives from national governments yesterday to change some of the European rules regarding sales of some fruit and veg (please see the European Commission website here for details), Linda said;

“Today’s decision to scrap some of the laws that keep perfectly good fruit and veg away from shop shelves is a step in the right direction, although there is more that could be done. I think people will appreciate in the current economic climate it’s only right to increase the amount of cheap healthy food in this way.”

“The original rules were introduced with strong support and lobbying from the retail industry. In some places that support still very much exists. But I know from my postbag that this has also been an issue that has really stuck in the public’s mind as a cause for concern. I am pleased that the British government has pushed hard for change and that common sense has prevailed.”