Another Genetically Engineered Potato To Be Evaluated
May 6, 2015 USDA is moving forward another variety of genetically engineered potatoes from J.R. Simplot Company. The agency announced last week that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is making available for public comment a preliminary plant pest risk assessment and draft environmental assessment for Innate potato, which is known as Russet Burbank event W8. The potato has been genetically engineered for late blight resistance, low acrylamide potential, reduced black sot bruising, and lowered reducing sugars.
All comments need to be received on or before June 4, 2015.
J.R. Simplot Company of Boise, ID, is seeking a determination of nonregulated status for the potato. The petition from the company states “that these potatoes are unlikely to pose a plant pest risk,” according to the Federal Register.
In March 2015, Simplot completed the food and feed safety consultation with FDA for its first generation of Innate potato varieties. The FDA concluded the Innate potato is as safe and nutritious as conventional potatoes.
According to Simplot, the company is “working with growers and retailers to bring to the U.S. market several popular potato varieties with improved traits that benefit consumers, food producers, and growers.”
Click here to read the Federal Register notice.
To read more on Simplot’s Innate potatoes, go to http://bit.ly/1KLRg6T
Source: USDA, APHIS; Simplot
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