Fast-food giant McDonald’s says “it doesn’t plan to buy…the Innate potato,” genetically engineered by JR Simplot to produce smaller amounts of acrylamide, a suspected carcinogen, when fried, says the Idaho Statesman. Simplot is based in Boise, Idaho, the hometown of the newspaper, which quoted a McDonald’s statement, “McDonald’s USA does not source GMO potatoes, nor do we have current plans to change our sourcing practices.” The Statesman said the fast-food and dehydrated potato industries have urged growers not to plant GE potatoes. The Innate potato, which uses potato genes to reduce the substance that produces acrylamide and to reduce bruising and browning, is approved as safe by USDA.
Capitol Press said Simplot plans to sell the Innate potato “as whole spuds or in the ‘fresh-cut’ form similar to pre-sliced apples.” A Simplot spokesman said fresh-cut is the fastest-growing segment of the fresh produce market. The Innate potato offer the advantage that they don’t need preservatives or additives to prevent browning, said the spokesman.