Accredited Construct Specific PCR Test for Recently Detected Unapproved GM Flax/Linseed FP967/CDC Triffid Available Through Genetic ID

AUGSBURG, Germany - Subsequent to the announcement of the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed on 8 September 2009, the German surveillance lab in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg has confirmed the detection of GM linseed/flax variety FP967/CDC Triffid, which is unapproved in the EU.

Additionally, there have been additional EU Rapid Alert announcements regarding the presence of FP967/CDC Triffid in food products distributed to Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. These discoveries have been widely covered by the media globally during the past several days. This unapproved GM flax was detected in a wide variety of flax/linseed products including cereals, bakery products, nut products and seeds.

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% of the total flax utilized in the EU annually.

Since neither a safety assessment by the EU nor an application for approval has been submitted for this GMO, the zero tolerance rule applies. This means any raw material or flax/linseed derivative analyzed 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).

Genetic ID provides the food, animal feed and agricultural industry worldwide a full range of GMO testing services from its laboratories in Germany, Japan, USA and through its Global Laboratory Alliance.

www.genetic-id.de

Call the EU GM flax test information hotline: +49-821-747-76-30

Source: Genetic ID (Europe) AG

Call the EU GM flax test information hotline: +49-821-747-76-30