Scotland will get its own food standards agency after changes were made to food standards regulation in England.
The Scottish Government moved to establish the public body after the UK Government removed responsibility for nutrition and labelling in England from the Food Standards Agency. As of 2010, the Department of Health and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs share these duties.
The changes, recommended by the Scudamore review, will see the Scottish Food Standards Agency take control of food safety, nutrition standards, food labelling, and meat inspection in Scotland.
Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said: "The changes in England removed significant capacity in the FSA's nutrition and labelling functions for Scotland and needed to be addressed. I thank Professor Jim Scudamore and his colleagues for their months of work to develop this comprehensive report which we have been considering since publication in April.
"We have accepted all their recommendations. A new body will allow a Scottish approach to be taken to tackle poor diet and food-borne diseases and should support our food and drink industry in growing its strong, international reputation for safe, quality food.
"The new body will be at arms-length from the Scottish Government. The body will encompass nutrition and labelling policy, and meat inspection policy and operational delivery, in addition to food safety and standards. We will establish a new body which is independent, evidence-based, consumer-focussed and transparent.
"Creating a new Scottish Food Standards body will require primary legislation, and we plan to consult on options before end of this year."
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead added: "I welcome the decision to transfer operational control of meat inspection delivery to the FSA in Scotland as soon as possible, which we hope will deliver a more cost-effective service and further enhance our strong reputation for quality and hygiene.
"I am keen to explore how quickly this could be achieved. Legislation would not be needed so I would expect to transfer meat inspection, after discussions with the industry and the Food Standards Agency, before the new body is established."
Consumer rights activists have welcomed the move as good news for customers.
Marieke Dwarshuis, director at Consumer Focus Scotland, said: "The consequences of poor food safety measures can be devastating and people want to know that the highest standards and controls are in place. We are pleased that this new Scottish body is intended to be transparent and consumer focused and we look forward to seeing the detailed proposals on how it will carry out its vital roles."
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