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Food Security and Cosmetically Imperfect Food
P003234 - 02 September 2026
Presentations: 1
Presenters: 1
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
At a Glance
This petition concerning food security and cosmetically imperfect food was presented to Parliament once by 1 MP.
Issue Summary
The petition addresses the issue of food waste due to cosmetic standards, which has led to the rejection of nutritious but imperfect produce during the extreme summer heat, exacerbating import reliance and posing a threat to food security.
Action Requested
The petitioners request that the House of Commons urge the Government to take urgent action to end the waste of cosmetically imperfect fruit and vegetables by relaxing cosmetic specifications, introducing stronger powers for the Groceries Code Adjudicator, and bringing forward legislation for a national food strategy.
Key Facts
- One surplus food redistributor took in 6,000 rejected cauliflower heads in a single week.
- New analysis warns that 2026 could be the worst UK harvest on record.
- Dairy farmers have lost 18.5 million litres in milk yields.
- Growers face water abstraction cessations.
Presentation Timeline
MPs presented this petition on the following dates. Each card shows the presenters and any recorded remarks.
Presented
02 September 2026
Sarah Dyke
Lib Dem
Glastonbury and Somerton
I present this petition on food security following the extreme summer heat that has left tonnes of safe, nutritious but cosmetically imperfect produce rejected at the farm gate, deepening import reliance and showing the urgent need for a good food Bill.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy