REGULATIONS on marketing and labelling genetically engineered and other 'novel' foods have finally been agreed upon by European Union (EIJ) ministers. The legislation has now been passed over to the European Parliament and is expected to face tougher scrutiny from deputies zealous about biotechnology products. The major furcre between ru countries had been over the ways of labelling the foods clearly. The environmental group, Friends of the Earth, have voiced their grievance and resolved to move the European Parliament on the issue. The industry group, Senior Advisory Group Biotechnology, have, on the other hand, welcomed the accord. All manufacturers now need permission before hitting the market with the new foods, excepting the ones equivalent to existing standards.