Ban on misshapen produce may be nixed

BRUSSELS, July 24 (UPI) -- Disfigured fruits and vegetables could be allowed in stores after most European Union members voted to loosen restrictions on produce, officials say.

Misshapen bananas and cucumbers could be in stores by next year if reforms on produce rules are carried out, The Telegraph reported Thursday.

The Telegraph said produce standards are so strict, many edible foods are discarded by farmers.

European agriculture commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel said she thinks some regulations should also be thrown out for onions, garlic, cauliflower and spinach.

"In this era of high prices and growing demand, it makes no sense to throw (misshapen fruit and vegetables) away or destroy them. It shouldn't be the EU's job to regulate these things," Boel said.