The regulation will lead to special labelling when a novel food is judged, on the basis of a scientific assessment, not to be equivalent to an existing food. Foods will also require labelling if there are any special ethical concerns or if it contains a live genetically modified organism.

Speaking in London today Mrs Browning said:
"This Regulation is a very good result for UK consumers and industry. It provides the safeguards that consumers expect and deserve while at the same time providing a climate of greater certainty for industry. The Regulation contains extensive labelling provisions, which most importantly from the consumers points of view, are enforceable. I look forward to the early implementation of this regulation and I am confident that the UK will continue to have an influential role in the safety assessment of novel foods".

The Regulation is finalised and will come into force 90 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. This is expected to be in the first half of 1997.