Vegetables and dairy products can be purchased with the "meal vouchers"

The Economy Minister Christine Lagarde said Friday that the restaurant tickets and other Restaurant vouchers will allow 3.5 million employees who use them to buy too soon and "unrestricted" vegetables and dairy products.

"I signed a decree today and will enter into force within ten days," Lagarde said, noting that these "meal vouchers" will now "to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, peeled or peel and all dairy products. "

Some 3.5 million French workers annually consume nearly 800 million shares restaurants (Ticket Restaurant, Cheque restaurant lunch voucher or check table). But so far, these securities were primarily intended for the purchase of food in cafes and restaurants.

"The big news is that the full range of dairy products without any restriction, will be available: milk, yogurt, puddings, cottage cheese, hard cheese or soft ...», argued Lagarde .

This, she said, to compete in a "more balanced and diversified supply" of the French by allowing those who "eat on the go can buy something other than a quiche or a sandwich."

The watchwords of this decision, she said, are "plurality, diversity and competition" while the unions on their side restaurateurs feared abuse of the use of such securities which they were the first beneficiaries.

Salary supplements and non-taxable funded in part by the employer, these payment methods have been designed to allow employees who do not have company canteen to buy hot food.

The economy minister also said that representatives from trade in fruits and vegetables would make their entry in the National Securities Commission Restaurants (NTRC).

Announced in June, the decree was submitted to the State Council, a procedure that delayed his signature and entry into force, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Created in the mid 60's and first used in restaurants, these titles have been extended to the takeaway and ready meals, including those sold in supermarkets. Some abuses found in supermarkets, however, had led to crop usage rules last March.

(Source AFP)