The European Commission has announced plans to set up an independent body to monitor the quality of food in Europe.

It is part of a package of proposals aimed at restoring consumer confidence after a series of food scares.

The Commission said the proposed European Food Authority would gather scientific information and issue recommendations.

But it said that unlike the United States Food and Drug Administration, the European Food Authority would not have regulatory powers.

These would remain with the Commission, the European parliament and the member states of the European Union. Finland has said it would like the agency to be based in Helsinki.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service