February 20, 2009 (Saskatoon, SK) A panel of independent scientific experts determined in January 2009 that whole and milled flax seed be given Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status. Expected within six months is a letter of “no objection”, finalizing GRAS status for flax by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

GRAS status is a United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designation that means a substance added to food is considered safe by experts, and so is exempted from the usual Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) food additive tolerance requirements.

“We observe that flaxseed products have a long history of safe use in foods in the U.S. and internationally and are appropriately regarded as safe and nutritious. We note that extensive animal and human research has confirmed the safety of flaxseed and its constituents. We find that the composition and purity of whole and milled flaxseed have been adequately characterized to assure a wholesome food-grade product. Therefore, we conclude that the addition of whole and milled flaxseed to conventional foods is safe, limited only by current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).”

- Conclusion of the Expert Panel, United States Food and Drug Administration: “Determination for the GRAS Status of the Addition of Whole and Milled Flaxseed to Conventional Foods,” January 2009

“We’re pleased with the committee's conclusion,” said Linda Braun, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission (SaskFlax). “Consumers have known for thousands of years that flax is safe and nutritious, but this decision will pave the way for our healthy flaxseed to be added to new food products.”

For the official news release from Flax Council of Canada, please click here.

SaskFlax continues to collaborate with the Flax Council of Canada and Flax Canada 2015 to ensure quality flax and flax products worldwide.

For more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission
Saskatoon, SK
Tel. 306-664-4404
Email: saskflax@saskflax.com