THE GROCER: It tried to ban pounds and ounces. It introduced rules on bendy fruit and veg.
Now, if controversial EU Food Labelling Regulations are approved, Europe will outlaw the sale of groceries using numbers - the oldest, most basic measurement of all.
Under the draft legislation, to come into force as early as next year, eggs by the dozen, a four-pack of apples, and eight rashers of bacon along with scores of other grocery goods would be banned as a description on packaging, after MEPs last week voted against an amendment to the regulations that would allow individual states to nominate products that can be sold by number.
Each country is currently allowed this exemption under existing EU food directives. But the new Food Labelling Regulations make no such provisions. And all groceries would have to be sold according to their weight instead costing the industry millions, and leading potentially to labelling chaos.
The legislation could even see special unit-based promotional packs offering 'eight chocolate bars for the price of six' banned.
The legislation was declared "bonkers" and "absolute madness" by food industry experts, and although the implications of the draft were likely to have been an oversight, according to Federation of Bakers director Gordon Polson, it may be too late to change.
"The problem is now the exemption has been omitted from the legislation, it will be very difficult to get it put back in," said Polson. >>> | Saturday, June 26, 2010
THE GROCER: Editor's Comment: The EU’s attempt to simplify labelling has created a multi-headed monster >>> Adam Leyland, The Grocer | Saturday, June 26, 2010
