Supermarket shoppers could see major change to how they buy fruit and vegetables
02.01.2024 - 11:47
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Supermarkets across the UK face a potential ban on certain packaging which is likely to affect shoppers.
New rules that are currently being considered by the UK Government would see the prohibition of pre-packaged fruit and veg, with only loose produce available to purchase.
Some retailers already implement this initiative, but new rules would make it compulsory. The move, which aims to reduce waste for both food and packaging, would impact major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Aldi and Lidl.
Research shows that food waste amounted to 12 stone per person in 2021 and it is hoped it will also reduce tonnes of packaging, some of which can't be recycled. Anti-waste charity Wrap, which is behind the move, states that certain foods like soft fruits may be exempt.
As reported by the Mirror, Wrap director Catherine David said: “We waste 12 per cent of the food that we buy, with an average household of four throwing away £1,000 of good food each year. This is happening because our food system is making it hard for people to buy only what they need and to use more of what they buy.”
Official figures revealed that only 19 per cent of fruit and vegetables are being sold loose. Wrap said voluntary efforts by giant supermarkets have been too slow to hit its target.
It aims to reach 30 per cent of fruit and veg being sold without packaging by next year. As much as 80 per cent of packaging could be removed within three years, according to reports.
The government hopes the ban on packed veg and fruit will eventually reduce plastic waste. Thousands of tons of plastic packaging are estimated to end up in landfill or being burnt every year.
MP Sir Robert Goodwill said: “I welcome any attempts to reduce plastic packaging of supermarket