November 9, 2009 (Saskatoon, SK) - A Saskatoon lab is now conducting tests that will detect whether CDC Triffid may be in their flax crop.
This is a construct-specific test that can detect the presence of genetically-modified materials in flax seed. CDC Triffid is the genetically-modified flax variety that was developed at the University of Saskatchewan in the 1990s.
Samples should be 1 kilogram in size and the guidelines for preparing representative samples are available from the Canadian Grain Commission. Producers who wish to have their flax tested can send or drop off their samples to Quantum Biosciences at the following address:
Quantum Biosciences
Lab 8 – 410 Downey Road
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4N1
Ph: 306-956-2082
Fax: 306-956-2066
dna@quantumbiosciences.ca
The cost of each test will be $105. Samples should be accompanied with the Producer Test Form provided here..
Samples are being accepted now, but testing will not begin until November 16. Quantum Biosciences is working with the Canadian Grain Commission this week to confirm the test procedures are all proficient with lab requirements.
The Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission works to promote production and value-added processing of flax in the province alongside our partners in the flax industry and other agricultural organizations to ensure quality flax and flax products worldwide.
For more information, contact:
Linda Braun, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission
Saskatoon, SK
Tel. 306-664-1901
Email: saskflax@saskflax.com
or
Heather Deobald, Manager Business Development
Quantum Biosciences
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel. (306) 956-2082
Email: dna@quantumbiosciences.ca
