Update on GM linseed/flax contamination in linseed grain originating from Canada, January 2010
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 (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2010/01/20/mb-flax-triffid-manitoba.html). 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.
Original report October 2009:
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of farmers multiplied seed of the variety for future marketing and use, but its product registration was subsequently withdrawn and the variety was never grown commercially.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.