The OECD's Task Force for the Safety of Novel Foods and Feeds decided at its first session, in 1999, to focus its work on the development of science-based consensus documents, which are mutually acceptable among member countries. These consensus documents contain information for use during the regulatory assessment of a particular food/feed product. In the area of food and feed safety, consensus documents are being published on the nutrients, anti-nutrients or toxicants, information of its use as a food/feed and other relevant information.This consensus document addresses compositional considerations for new varieties of sugar beet by identifying the key food and feed nutrients and anti-nutrients. A general description of these components is provided. As well, there is background material on the growing, processing and uses of sugar beet and considerations to be taken when assessing new sugar beet varieties.Germany served as the lead country in the preparation of this document.The Joint Meeting of the Chemicals Committee and the Working Party on Chemicals, Pesticides and Biotechnology has recommended that this document be made available to the public. It is published on the authority of the Secretary-General of the OECD.