EU relaxing rules for fruits and veggies

LONDON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- EU agriculture officials said they hope to cut the cost of fruits and vegetables by abolishing rules that govern the shape and size of the produce.

Curvy cucumbers and crooked carrots will no longer be rejected for failing to meet EU standards, The Times of London reported Wednesday.

The deregulation plan proposed by EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel is expected to win approval now that Germany no longer opposes the move.

"I think a large dose of common sense is required here," said Hilary Benn, EU Environment, Food and Rural Affairs secretary.

Currently 20 percent of farm produce is rejected for not meeting the EU standards.

Pears, for example, can be classified as "imperfect" if they have a slight skin defect or asparagus if less than 80 percent of its length is green.

Bananas, however, won't escape EU regulation. they will still need to be a certain length and circumference.