Unapproved GM Flax Found In EU Products

Alerts have been issued across the EU following the discovery of unapproved GM flax in a variety of flax and linseed bakery products.

German surveillance lab Genetic ID has confirmed the detection of GM linseed/flax variety FP967/CDC Triffid in bakery products, cereals, nut products and seeds distributed in Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.

Having developed the first detection method for construct present in FP967/CDC Triffid, Genetic ID now offers this specific and accredited test worldwide. German surveillance laboratories also use the Genetic ID method to detect this GMO linseed.

This GMO variety originates from the Crop Development Centre Canada at the University of Saskatchewan. Canada supplies approximately 70 per cent of the total flax utilised in the EU annually.

A zero-tolerance rule applies as neither a safety assessment by the EU nor an application for approval has been submitted for the GMO. This means any raw material or flax/linseed derivative analysed to be positive for FP967/CDC Triffid is illegal and not marketable in the EU.

Genetic ID developed this test according to the guidelines of the EU Joint Research Centre, and includes this test in its accreditation scope under DIN EN ISO 17025. The JRC has now made the Genetic ID method available to all members of the European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL).