Starting this July, European Union nations lifted a longtime ban on misshaped fruit that caused tremendous waste and labeling confusion. After a vote last November to do away with the restrictions, 26 fruits and vegetables will no longer have to meet specific product specifications related to classification, size, shape, variety, development and labeling details.

The liberated fruit and vegetables include: cabbage, onions, avocados, cherries and zucchinis. However, 10 popular fruits and vegetables still must carry labels indicating they are "intended for processing" if they do not meet specific marketing standards.

Considering the enormous amount of fresh produce wasted each year and the over one billion people hungry in the world, the old laws were out of touch with social and economic realities.

• Share
• Email