A new source of omega 3 fatty acids, from a South American plant, could be approved for use in foods in the UK if it passes novel foods assessment by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The application from Irish firm R Craig & Sons Ltd is for whole and ground Chia seed and is intended to be added to bread. Chia (Salvia hispanica L) is a summer annual herbaceous plant belonging to the mint family. Its seeds provide a source of alpha-linolenic acid. Historically, Chia seeds have been eaten in South America, but they have not been consumed to a significant degree in Europe…

—Nutraingredients.com, 7/7/03