Fruits and vegetables: the size matter?
As of July no more! This is a new standard in the field of food taken at EU level by Regulation (EC) No 1221/2008, which will repeal the minimum standards of shape and size for the commercialization of the following 26 types of fresh fruit and vegetables: apricots, artichokes, asparagus, eggplant, avocado, beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, cherries, zucchini , cucumbers, cultivated mushrooms, garlic, hazelnuts in shell, cabbages, leeks, melons, onions, peas, plums, ribbed celery, spinach, walnuts in shell, watermelons and witloof chicory.
Dimensional standards remain in force for another 10 types of products, considered most representative for the market: apples, citrus fruits, pears, kiwis, salads in general, peaches and nectarines, strawberries, peppers, table grapes and tomatoes, even for these However, it is recognized that Member States may authorize the sale of sizes below the standard, provided that the label is affixed to the product labeled for processing.
While laderegulation adopted Commission gives access to a streamlined bureaucracy, in terms of substance, however, the new regulation concerns the Italian leader in the EU and a turnover, including the lead, to 22.8 billion euros who fear unfair competition from Eastern Europe, encouraged by the loss of minimum standards for marketing.
Foto: Esselunga
