New generation of GMO potatoes deregulated
New generation of GMO potatoes deregulated
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has deregulated J.R. Simplot Co.'s genetically modified Russet Burbank variety of Innate potatoes. This is the second generation of Innate potatoes to receive deregulated status.
The new potatoes contain four beneficial traits of relevance to potato growers, processors and consumers. These traits were achieved by adapting only genes from wild and cultivated potatoes.
The second generation of Innate potatoes will help prevent black spots. In addition to reducing asparagine as well as bruising and black spots, second-generation Innate potatoes have resistance to late blight pathogens and enhanced cold storage capability.
According to the company, early research shows that Innate second-generation potatoes will further contribute to reducing waste associated with bruise, blight and storage losses by reducing waste at multiple stages of the value chain, including in-field, during storage, processing, and in foodservice. That research suggests that these traits will translate to less land, water and pesticide applications to produce these potatoes.
Academics consulted by Simplot estimate that the Innate late blight resistance trait, regulated by the EPA, can result in a 25 percent to 45 percent reduction in fungicide applications annually to control late blight. Lower asparagine means that accumulation levels of acrylamide can be reduced by up to 90 percent or more when these potatoes are cooked at very high temperatures. In addition, lowered reducing sugars enable cold storage at 38 degrees for more than six months without the build-up of sugars, which improves quality.
In March the company completed the food and feed safety consultation with the Food & Drug Administration for its first generation of Innate potato varieties, after which the FDA concluded the Innate potato is as safe and nutritious as conventional potatoes. Simplot said it is looking forward to the completion of the EPA registration and FDA consultation before the second generation of Innate potatoes can be introduced into the marketplace.
