12/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - Member states' ambassadors approve new rules on novel foods. The authorisation procedure for novel foods derived from biotechnological processes and new food ingredients will be clarified and simplified under the terms of the amended draft regulation on novel foods and new food ingredients, approved by the permanent representatives of the member states (Coreper) on 11 November. The green light previously given by the European Parliament to the final compromise on this text made this progress possible (see EUROPE 11420). The compromise seeks to promote cheaper innovation by cutting red tape by means of a centralised authorisation procedure, without any reduction in the high level of consumer protection. Once adopted, this regulation will amend Regulation 1169/2011/EC and repeal the 1997 regulation (258/EC) which was much in need of updating. (AN)