Omega-3 events (LBFLFK and NS-B50027-4) in BASF Canola Seed 

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, April 13, 2021 – BASF has detected the presence of 2 distinct events (more commonly referred to as GMO traits) in canola seed samples taken from BASF’s hybrid seed production fields in the United States.  These events are designed to increase Omega-3 fatty acid content in the seed oil.  While the detected events, LBFLFK or BASF-Cargill Omega-3 and NS-B50027-4, owned by Nuseed, are approved for cultivation in the United States, they have not yet received approval in key export countries.

All affected 2020 hybrid seed lots were isolated and contained on farm or recalled from the commercial channel. BASF is working with customers to replace this recalled seed in time for the 2021 planting season.

Based on these findings and information regarding additional field activities with the Omega-3 events in 2018 and 2019, we immediately initiated testing of retained lots from hybrid canola seed produced in these years in Montana and Washington State.

Until February 2021, no Nuseed authorized third-party laboratory was available to test for Nuseed's NS-B50027-4 event.  BASF’s investigation and retained seed sample testing is ongoing.

BASF is working with the canola seed distribution channel on product recalls in an effort to prevent seed containing the presence of Nuseed's NS-B50027-4 event or LBFLFK from being planted in 2021.  Recall efforts are ongoing and will be adjusted as additional information becomes available to BASF.  BASF does not anticipate that this issue will cause a shortage of InVigor® Canola varieties based on our current commitments for the 2021 season. 

BASF has extensive data on the composition, safety, and characteristics of canola containing the LBFLFK event that has been provided to regulatory bodies, including the United States and Canada.  The FDA has confirmed it "has no questions about the safety of LBFLFK canola when inadvertently present in the food supply at low levels" in a letter dated April 9, 2021.

BASF is committed to stewardship standards from research through the entire lifecycle of our seed products.  We are working with canola industry groups in the US and Canada, including Excellence Through Stewardship (ETS), to share information and reach consensus on a path forward.

BASF will continue to provide information and updates via www.canolastewardship.com.