The genetically engineered V11 Snowden potato developed by JR Simplot gained USDA approval for commercial cultivation and the agribusiness company based in Boise, Idaho, said the FDA concluded its GE Russet Burbank Generation 2 potatoes are safe. “Simplot will still need to complete its registration with the Environmental Protection Agency for these potatoes before introducing them for sale in the U.S. marketplace,” the company said on its website. It said the review by FDA was voluntary.
Simplot said the Russet Burbank potato, the second-generation of its Innate GE potato, “contains four benefits of relevance to potato growers, processors and consumers: reduced bruising and black spots; reduced asparagine; resistance to late blight pathogens; and enhanced cold storage capability.” Reduced aparagine means the potatoes produce lower levels of acrylamide when cooked. Research suggests acrylamide could be a carcinogen.
The V11 potato was developed for “low acrylamide potential, reduced black spot bruising, and lowered reducing sugars,” said USDA in announcing deregulation. It has similar traits as the Innate potato.
“The company has already been selling its first generation of Innate potatoes to consumers, selling out its 2014 crop and currently selling the 2015 crop of about 2,000 acres,” said Associated Press.