Brussels bureaucrats have stopped a grocer from selling a batch of kiwi fruits – because EU rules say they are a millimetre too small.

Market trader Tim Down must now pay £100 to dump the 5,000 perfectly edible fruits which have failed size and weight standards brought in under European regulations.

Government inspectors also warned Mr Down, 53, from Bristol, that he faces a £5,000 fine if he tries to give them away.

The kiwis are just the latest example of heavy-handed EU marketing standards, joining the ranks of curved cucumbers, straight bananas and skinny carrots.

Conservative MEP for London Syed Kamall said last night: “At a time of rising food prices for British families it’s disgusting to see such a large amount of food condemned for very little good reason.

“As long as it’s safe it should be the customer who decides what is worth buying, not EU or Westminster …