Set sizes to disappear

The traditional British loaf or pint of milk might become a thing of the past after another twist in the move to harmonise and simplify EU packaging law.

At the end of last month, EU ministers agreed a proposal to abolish the mandatory packaging sizes on goods such as fish fingers, bread and milk, currently enshrined in two EU laws. The proposal would allow the sale of food in any size, the only exceptions being wine and spirits, which would keep their current prescribed quantities.

It is a potential blow for the bread and milk sectors, which lobbied furiously in 2004, at the legislation's first reading in the European Parliament (EP), to keep their prescribed quantities. They claimed that otherwise it would be easier for unscrupulous firms to short-change consumers.

The EP agreed at the time to exempt 12 products, including bread and milk, from the new legislation. However, the European Commission rejected that, leading to the Council's latest decision to abolish all current packaging sizes, apart from those for wines and spirits.

There would be a delay in abolition of at least five years for butter, dried pasta, white sugar and coffee.

The proposal now goes to the EP for a second reading. However, industry sources claimed the EP and the Council had very opposing views, making agreement unlikely. "From the reaction of Parliament to this on the first reading, it is unlikely they will be happy with this proposal," said a source.

Talks between the parties are now expected to take place to avoid a third reading and a possible dropping of the proposal.