Hi Reta,

You definitely should be using stabilized flax if it is being purchased already ground as that is the only way to know it won't be rancid at the time of purchase (or shortly thereafter). Once it's ground, it needs to be kept refrigerated and has a shelf life of approximately 2 weeks before it starts to turn bad (unless it is stabilized). Here's a message from Dr. Kellon regarding mineral  ixes:

https://ecir.groups.io/g/main/message/206181

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Lavinia, George Too, Calvin (PPID) and Dinky (PPID/IR)
Nappi, George and Dante Over the Bridge
Jan 05, RI
Moderator ECIR