Hi, I actually work for Roundup and yes it is new and it still works in the same way, by killing the weed from the inside by simply stopping it from growing, so eventually it just dies. It's not hazardous or irritant otherwise it would not be approved for use in the garden. It also is inactive on contact with the soil as it only works inside plants. It is degraded by micro organisms in the soil, so you can replant in the soil after a couple of days. The Gel is really useful for treating weeds that are close to plants you want to keep, where you wouldn't want to spray and you can kill around 1000 smallish weeds with one pack. Hope that helps.