Bread rules abandoned after 750 years (UK)
A slice of history was created when the first ever 600g loaf went on sale, ending centuries-old legislation that has governed the weight of bread.
The moment was greeted with little fanfare in a Tesco store in west London, but marked one of the most important landmarks in the colourful history of weights and measures.
Strict laws, stretching back to Assize of Bread and Ale of 1266, have meant that no baker in England has been allowed to bake a loaf unless it conforms to a certain weight.
Until yesterday, all bread that went on sale – from a sliced white loaf, to a baguette, ciabatta or bloomer – had to weigh 400g or multiples thereof, unless it was a small bun or "morning pastry", as the legislation phrases it.
Read entire article at Telegraph (UK)
The moment was greeted with little fanfare in a Tesco store in west London, but marked one of the most important landmarks in the colourful history of weights and measures.
Strict laws, stretching back to Assize of Bread and Ale of 1266, have meant that no baker in England has been allowed to bake a loaf unless it conforms to a certain weight.
Until yesterday, all bread that went on sale – from a sliced white loaf, to a baguette, ciabatta or bloomer – had to weigh 400g or multiples thereof, unless it was a small bun or "morning pastry", as the legislation phrases it.