Biotech Updates

US EPA Approves Three Varieties of GE Potatoes

March 1, 2017

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the planting of three types of genetically engineered potatoes that resist the pathogen that caused the Irish potato famine. According to EPA, the GE potatoes are safe for the environment and safe to eat.

The GE potatoes were developed by J.R. Simplot Co. According to Simplot, the GE potatoes only contain potato genes and that the resistance to late blight trait originated from an Argentine potato variety that naturally exhibited defense against the pathogen.

The decision by EPA is consistent with the safety clearance given by Food and Drug Administration in January 2017.

Read more from AP. View the notices (for Y9 and X17) from the EPA website.