Latest information regarding GM linseed/flax contamination in linseed grain originating from Canada (November 2011)
With Canadian and EU authorities working together to create an agreed sampling and analysis protocol, Canadian producers can now export their linseed to the EU. This protocol requires the consignment to have passed the mandatory laboratory analysis, with laboratory certification as the official declaration that it is free from GM seed. Without this declaration, the consignment cannot enter the EU (please see the latest information from Flax Council of Canada for more details).
The GM Inspectorate position on linseed/flax seed remains unchanged. The GM Inspectorate, having discussed the issue with the Fera Plant Varieties and Seeds Team, does not at this time consider there to be a generic problem with AGMP in linseed/flax seed for sowing and does not envisage this species will be the subject of the Inspectorate's routine audits of seed for AGMP. However, UK companies importing seed of Linum usitatissimum (L.), particularly seedlots originating in Canada, should be aware of the potential risk and take appropriate precautions.
Notice to UK companies known to import and/or produce flax/linseed for sowing.
Update on GM linseed/flax contamination in linseed grain originating from Canada
Following initial findings of genetically
modified material in linseed grain originating from Canada and imported into
the EU (see October 2009 report,
below), Canadian authorities are still investigating the problem. Despite a
temporary embargo on Canadian linseed grain coming into the EU, contaminations
are still being found in linseed products in the EU often from Canada via other
non-EU countries such as Russia and China (see summary of notifications from
the Rapid
Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) here (MS
Excel 16-10-09 to 27-01-10 ).
The GM Inspectorate's position on linseed/flax
seed remains unchanged:
UK seed companies should be aware of the possibility of adventitious GM presence (AGMP) in linseed/flax seed, particularly seed sourced from Canada.
Companies wishing to import
Canadian linseed/flax seed into the UK are strongly recommended to seek advice
on AGMP risk management from the GM Inspectorate.
GM linseed/flax contamination reported in Germany
Introduction
German
authorities in Baden Württemberg recently (08/09/09) reported the finding
of GM linseed/flax variety FP967/‘CDC Triffid’, which is not authorized
for food, feed or cultivation in the European Union. A summary of the notifications
issued via the European Union’s RASFF is provided here (MS
Excel 01-09-09 to 16-10-09).
The affected material appears to have originated in Canada, but at present it is not clear whether the problem is restricted to food/feed, or whether seed for sowing is also affected. Some unsubstantiated reports suggest a quantity of the affected material was sown in Germany. CDC Triffid was developed by the University of Saskatchewan to be tolerant to the herbicide sulfonylurea, and was deregulated in Canada in 1996. It is reported that a number of farmers multiplied seed of the variety for future marketing and use, but its product registration was subsequently withdrawn and the variety was never grown commercially. The multiplied seed was subsequently crushed. (http://www.rense.com/general11/gm.htm).
Current position
The GM Inspectorate, having discussed
the issue with the Fera Plant Varieties and Seeds Team, does not at this time
consider there to be a generic problem with AGMP in linseed/flax seed and does
not envisage this species will be the subject of the Inspectorate’s routine
audits of seed for AGMP. However, UK companies importing seeds of Linum
usitatissimum (L.), particularly seedlots originating in Canada, should
be aware of the potential risk and take appropriate precautions. As further
information becomes available it will be published on this website.
Useful links/references
Flax Council of Canada website
'Triffid seed threatens flax industry' (news report, January 2010)