NOTE: Seems the GM flax (linseed) scandal's not just about Canadian exports but about "large quantities of genetically modified linseed growing illegally" in Europe - see the article from the German press below.

QUOTE: "We assume that this discovery will affect not only Germany, but rather all of Europe" - Peter Hauk, the German state of Baden-Württemberg's agriculture minister.
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Genetically modified linseed found growing illegally in Germany
The Local (Germany's news in English), 11 September 2009
http://www.thelocal.de/society/20090911-21853.html

Officials in Baden-Württemberg have discovered large quantities of genetically modified linseed growing illegally in the southwestern German state. It has apparently been unwittingly sold to several EU countries.

Peter Hauk, the state's agriculture minister, said on Thursday the majority of the seeds came from Canada, which is the principal supplier of linseed to Germany.

"We assume that this discovery will affect not only Germany, but rather all of Europe" Hauk said.

Though the GM linseed is not considered dangerous to consume, it has not been approved for human consumption in the European Union.

Linseed, also known as flax, is used in a number of food products such as pastries or muesli. Linseed oil, which is a high-grade cooking oil, is also a product of the plant.

The German association of large bakeries in Düsseldorf, which had pledged not to use genetically modified material, said the find was a breach of trust. "While this linseed is no health risk, its delivery nevertheless represents a clear breach of the strict delivery specifications of the association and is against the EU laws," said the group's chief executive Helmut Martell.

Bakers around the country are now warning there could be shortages of linseed bread in the coming weeks.

DPA/The Local (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)