Department of Seed Testing and Processing

Department Head: mgr Piotr Makolągwa

The department’s main task is to initiate and conduct research and development work and implement the results obtained in the field of testing the seeds of flax, hemp and other oilseed plants and herbal raw materials with respect to technology, processing and applications.

1. Develop technologies for the production of raw materials for the manufacture of health food and pharmaceuticals from the seeds of flax, hemp and other oilseed plants based on the implementation of the facility’s own patents and know-how technologies.
2. Manufacture and conduct analytical testing of pharmaceutical substances and products in accordance with the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practice as set out in the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 27 November 2015 (Journal of Laws Dz.U. of 2015, item 1979).
3. Manufacture foodstuffs in accordance with the PN-EN ISO 22000:2006 food safety standard.
4. Conduct commercial and marketing activities related to the offered products and intermediates based on flax and other oilseed plants and provide services related to chemical analysis for external clients.
5. Carry out analytical testing of food and pharmaceuticals, including in particular oil-mill products and other products manufactured from the seeds of medicinal plants (mainly flax and hemp). Perform chemical analyses using chromatographic (HPLC and GC) and spectrometric methods to assess the concentration of heavy metals in plant material, foodstuffs and soil. Determine the fat content and measure a full range of freshness and quality parameters of oil and determine fatty acid content.
6. Validate analytical methods on request.
7. Develop new analytical methods.
8. Carry out development, training and advisory activities.
9. Promote flax and hemp seeds as raw material for the manufacture of foodstuffs as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
10. Cooperate with the experimental departments at the Institute with regard to research and development activities and production of seeds of new oilseed flax cultivars to meet the needs of the food and pharmaceutical industries.
11. Perform defence tasks under relevant defence systems resulting from the agri-food product oversight system operation.
12. Cooperate with the scientific departments at the Institute and other domestic and foreign scientific institutions.
13. Carry out other tasks requested by the Management of the Institute.

Quality Control Department:

1. The department carries out activities related to Quality Control in the Department of Seed Testing and Processing.
2. The activities of the Quality Control Department at the manufacturing facility are set out in the Regulation of the Minister of Health on good manufacturing practice (GMP) and result from the principles of food manufacture in accordance with the ISO 22000 food safety standard.
3. The department checks, qualifies and monitors documentation, equipment, premises and employees at every stage of the manufacturing process.
4. On a daily basis, the department is responsible for overseeing the production process from accepting raw materials and packaging material through to testing and releasing the finished product.
5. As regards raw materials and packaging material, the department is responsible for: accepting raw material and packaging material, collecting samples, carrying out laboratory analyses to check whether the material complies with specifications, releasing the material or not releasing it depending on the results of the tests carried out and marking the packages of raw material and packaging material with status labels.
6. As regards the manufacture of intermediates, bulk products and finished products, the department is responsible for: collecting samples from individual batches of intermediates, bulk products and finished products, carrying out laboratory analyses to check whether the products comply with specifications, releasing the products or not releasing them depending on the results of the tests carried out and marking packages with status labels.
7. Pursuant to the statutory obligation to ensure the safety of the food manufactured, the department carries out tests and studies resulting from the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points assessment carried out and Operational Prerequisite Programmes (OPRP) for each batch of raw material and products at particular stages of production.
8. As regards pre-packed products, the department is responsible for checking the net content of packages for compliance with the requirements of the Act and regulation on pre-packages, which involves checking each batch of products for compliance with net content specifications.
9. The department monitors manufacturing and storage conditions, which involves daily monitoring of temperature and humidity conditions in production and storage facilities.
10. The department is responsible for monitoring control and measuring devices. Thus, it checks and calibrates the control and measuring devices used in production and storage facilities.
11. The department is also responsible for developing specifications, carrying out stability and storage tests, handling complaints, carrying out product quality reviews, participating in internal audits and contributing to validation processes and risk analysis.

Accomplishments

Production

1. The main scope of production activity:
   
   • Flaxseed oil high in alpha linoleic acid (dietary supplement)
   • Active pharmaceutical ingredient Lini oleum virginale
   • Feed material (common flaxseed oil)
   • De-oiled ground flaxseed
   • Cosmetics based on natural plant-based ingredients
2. Supervision by the District Veterinary Inspector and ISO 22000:2018 and GMP systems for the active pharmaceutical ingredient guarantee high quality of the products, confirmed by the Quality Control laboratory.
3. Cold-pressed flaxseed oil produced in the Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants - National Research Institute is obtained from carefully selected top-quality common flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum L.) of cultivars with high levels of alpha linoleic acid (ALA). High-ALA flaxseed oil containing about 50-65% of alpha linoleic acid is a rich source of this omega-3 fatty acid.
4. The aim of developing and modernising the production process is to manufacture new products, which shortens the contractual chain and reduces production costs.
5. The plans for 2024 include a launch of new food products and a new line of cosmetics under the “Instytut Dobra” (en Institute of Good) brand, and implementation, supervision and production of essential oils from fibre hemp panicles extracted by steam distillation.

Research and Testing Laboratory

The Institute features a laboratory conducting physicochemical testing of raw materials (i.e. panicles, chaff, seeds), food and feed, thus ensuring product safety.

Innovations

The flagship products manufactured under the Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants brand include:

BOFLAX Flaxseed Oil for the Budwig Diet, dietary supplement

BOFLAX® Flaxseed Oil for the Budwig Diet is a cold-pressed oil from carefully selected flaxseeds. Due to its high content of alpha-linolenic acid (over 50%), it is the richest known plant source of this omega-3 fatty acid. Most consumable vegetable oils contain up to 10% of omega-3 fatty acids.

BOFLAX Ground Flaxseed - de-oiled, brown flaxseeds, dietary supplement

BOFLAX® Ground Flaxseed contains soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, protein and lignans. The fibre in ground flaxseed contains about 30% of readily bulking and water-gelling mucilage. BOFLAX® Ground Flaxseed contains four times less fat than traditional flaxseed, which makes it three times less caloric and free of oily aftertaste.

Linolia Cream

LINOLIA® Flaxseed Oil face and body cream. It soothes irritations and tones the skin, while maintaining optimal protection against dryness throughout the year.

LINOLIA® Flaxseed Oil cream contains: omega-3 and omega-6 essential unsaturated fatty acids from flaxseed oil and saturated fatty acids which deeply nourish and help regenerate the skin.

Kanabia Cream

KANABIA® Hemp Oil face and body cream. It soothes irritations and perfectly tones up the skin, while maintaining optimal protection against dryness throughout the year.

KANABIA® Hemp Oil cream contains: omega-3 and omega-6 essential unsaturated fatty acids from hemp oil and saturated fatty acids which actively moisturise, nourish and help regenerate the skin.

Kanabia Green cosmetic products

A series of cosmetic products containing a hop extract obtained through supercritical carbon dioxide extraction.

Hair shampoo with hemp oil and CO2 hop extract is gentle on the hair and scalp. It enhances the anti-inflammatory effect on the scalp and conditions the hair, making it smooth and shiny. The shampoo helps maintain proper moisture level in the hair. Following application, the hair is soft and silky. The shampoo facilitates combing and styling of wet and dry hair. It thoroughly cleanses and conditions the hair. Suitable for all hair types. Its hypoallergenic properties have been confirmed at in-use concentrations.

Body lotion with hemp oil and CO2 hop extract provides care for dry skin, replenishing moisture and lipids. It soothes irritations and perfectly firms up the skin. The lotion provides protection against dryness throughout the year, soothes unpleasant skin tension and smooths the epidermis. Its daily use gradually improves the overall condition of the skin and enhances its resilience to external irritants.

Babka FIT series - new products in the Institute’s portfolio available in January 2024

A food blend consisting of de-oiled ground flaxseed, ground sand plantain seeds, and puffed pineapple.