UK Retailers Relax Produce Rules as Heatwave Threatens Worst Harvest on Record
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 11
UK Retailers Relax Produce Rules as Heatwave Threatens Worst Harvest on Record
2 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 11
Summary
UK supermarkets are loosening size, shape and colour standards to keep shelves stocked as heatwaves leave more vegetables misshapen, discoloured or pest-damaged.
6,000 cauliflower heads rejected by supermarkets last week were darkened by sun exposure, while growers also reported curled cucumbers, holey pak choi and knobbly potatoes that remain edible.
Water reserves are running low, greenhouses are overheating and flea beetles are thriving in hot, dry conditions, cutting yields as well as appearance and raising waste for farmers.
Waitrose said it already relaxes rules in extreme weather, and the British Retail Consortium said retailers are importing more produce as UK shortages are expected to last into autumn.
Hotter, drier British summers linked to climate change mean growers may need more irrigation and storage—or wider acceptance of imperfect produce—to avoid repeated losses.