Light bulbs will no longer be labelled in watts under new EU rules.
It has decided to replace the energy measurement - named after the 18th century British inventor James Watt - with 'lumens', which identify how much light a bulb gives out.
Under the new labelling system, due to be introduced in September next year, a 60W light bulb will be renamed with its equivalent, 800Lm.
The EU claimed that the rules - which come as Europe phases out traditional light bulbs in favour of energy-saving ones - will enable consumers to make better-informed choices.
But critics of the decision claimed it would merely lead to widespread confusion.
They pointed out that many Britons remain unsure about energy-saving light bulbs because of the difficulties of disposing of them and health concerns.
Some consumers claim to have experienced skin problems, migraines and even epilepsy after using the bulbs.
Syed Kamall, the Tory MEP, said changing the labelling without sufficient education would add to the confusion. 'You just cannot drop this on the consumer without explaining it,' he added.
'It is a recipe for a complete mess and consumer confusion.'But Jurgen Sturm, of the European Lamp Companies Federation, which represents companies such as Philips, said: 'Consumers have to be made aware that this is nothing to confuse them but this will actually help them to make the right choice.
'People will know