From April, 2009, food producers will have the freedom to develop innovative packaging to package foods in different sizes.

Current legislation - dating back to the 1960s - requires around 30 foods, including butter, cereal, potatoes, sugar, dried fruit and rice to be packaged in specified quantities.

Science and Innovation Minister Ian Pearson said:

"The new Directive frees up UK manufacturers to innovate in how they package and market their products."

According to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, the deregulation of specified quantities is not expected to impose any new costs for business, as they will be free to pack in any size, including the sizes they currently use.