In 1985, the EU abandoned its previous approach (cf. "Sectoral Approach") of detailed harmonization of individual product requirements in favour of a horizontal approach based on the harmonization of the essential provisions necessary to ensure the safety of foodstuffs, consumer information and protection and the necessary level of official control (1). The more recent approach to technical harmonization - the "New Approach" - has been to establish a limited number of essential requirements and leave more detailed rules to be made by other standard-making bodies on a voluntary basis (2).