In a move that ould head off a damaging trade dispute with the US, the European Parliament has approved new rules that require any GM food – and even items that contain GM ingredients – to say so clearly on the label. The measures will take affect this autumn.

Margot Wallström, the environment commissioner, said: 'We are providing the foundation for a comprehensive labelling system. In this way we address the most critical concerns of the public regarding the environmental and health effects of genetically modified organisms and enable customers to choose.' The legislation now must be formally approved by EU governments.