Crooked cucumbers and bendy bananas back on supermarket shelves

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Bendy cucumbers and misshapen bananas are to make a comeback on supermarket shelves thanks to a change in EU laws.

Brussels bureaucrats have decided to ease strict guidelines governing the appearance of fruit and vegetables.

It is hoped the move will encourage shops to stock less-than-perfect-looking produce and cut down on the amount of food going to waste.

Under current rules, fruit and vegetables are classified into two grades, with 'class one' goods meeting strict criteria on size, shape and appearance.

It means apples are often rejected for being 'too red' or carrots for being 'too wide'.

Although supermarkets can stock cheaper 'class two' produce, many choose not to because they believe their customers would not buy it.

Around 26 of the EU's 36 directives will be abolished, although minimum standards will remain on goods including apples, lettuces and peaches.

Michael Mann, spokesman for the European Commission, said: 'People are saying prices are too high; it makes no sense to chuck food away.

'It's been rather silly. We are criticised for being too complicated and this could be a real improvement.'