All supermarkets in the UK to make huge change to fruit and vegetables

Supermarkets in the UK are set to make some huge changes to the way shoppers buy their fruit and veg.

Set to come into force this year, the likes of Aldi, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Lidl will have to conform with new laws regarding food waste.

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The change means that pre-packaged fruit and veg which was once sold in plastic wrapping will no longer be available to buy.

Instead, shoppers will have to pick loose items, following research that found the UK's food waste sat at 12 stone per person in 2021.

While many supermarkets have already started removing packaging, those that haven't will need to comply.

At present, it is reported that only 19 percent of fruit and vegetables are being sold loose. It is hoped this will soon reach 30 percent in the next year.

There is an exception for some foods however, including soft foods such as raspberries, which can still be packaged in plastic.

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Speaking of the news, Catherine David - director of anti-waste charity, Wrap - 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.”

It is thought that with stricter rules on packaging, as much as 80 percent could be removed within the next three years, with hopes this will lead to a reduction in plastic waste.

MP Sir Robert Goodwill said: “I welcome any attempts to reduce plastic packaging of supermarket food and ­allow more people to buy fruit and veg loose.”

It's not just our weekly shopping that's set to change, either.

A couple of months ago, it was announced that there would be some major changes for our bin collections, with the government saying it wants to simplify recycling for every home in England.

Recycling in England is now set to be standardised from 2026, with all homes, businesses and schools recycling the same materials.

There will also be a once-a-week minimum requirement for the collection of food waste, which will hopefully reduce the amount going to landfill.

The government has also previously banned seven everyday items including; single-use plastic cutlery, single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls as well as balloon sticks, polystyrene containers and cups which will also help increase the recycling rate percentage.

Hopefully these changes will start to have a positive impact on the environment.

Topics: Food and Drink, Shopping, News

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot.

@lucedevine