EU deregulates package sizes

The European Parliament deregulated package sizes for most pre-packaged products, except for staple beverages and foods. Manufacturers and retailers will be able to sell deregulated products in customized containers rather than in sizes mandated by member states or EU laws.

Member states are prohibited from passing legislation on pack sizes except for those still regulated. Food processors no longer will have to make different packages for different markets. Mandatory package sizes will remain for spirits, wines, instant coffee, brown and white sugar, drinking milk, butter, roasted coffee, dried pasta, rice, and most products in aerosol containers. National rules continue to apply to pre-packaged bread, tea, or spreadable fats. The UK can retain its imperial system for milk.

See sidebar to this article: FDA defines "whole grain"

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