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France's war on plastic packaging for fruit and veg

France is gradually introducing tighter rules about plastic wrapping of fruit and vegetables - as part of the latest stage in a government programme aimed at phasing out plastic waste.

From 1 January 2022 it will be illegal for cucumbers, apples and aubergines to be wrapped in plastic - but other fruit will be exempt from the rule till later: June 2023 for cherry tomatoes, 2024 for mushrooms and 2026 for strawberries.

Fast food companies will also be barred from offering plastic toys with their meals.

Jules Vagner is president and founder of Objective Zero Plastic, a group lobbying for a full ban on single use plastic. He says while the changes are welcome, it's far too slow and not always effective.

(Photo: Plastic wrapped cucumbers in a supermarket. Credit: Getty Images)

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