Innate® 2nd Gen Potato Receives Government Clearance in Canada

The food, feed, and environmental safety assessments of the J.R. Simplot Company's second generation of Innate® potatoes have been completed by Health Canada and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The potatoes can now be imported, planted, and sold in Canada, complementing the three varieties of Innate^® first generation potatoes that received regulatory approval last year.

Health Canada conducted a comprehensive safety assessment and approved the use of Innate® second generation potatoes for food. In addition, CFIA determined that these potatoes are "as safe and nutritious as traditional potatoes" for use as livestock feed, and that the potatoes do not present an increased risk to the environment when compared to currently cultivated potato varieties in Canada.

The second generation Innate^® potatoes contain four beneficial traits of relevance to potato growers, processors and consumers, including protection against the late blight pathogen; reduced bruising and black spot; reduced asparagine, which contributes to reduced acrylamide in cooked potatoes; and lower reducing sugars, which further contributes to reduced acrylamide while enhancing cold storage capability.

Studies have shown that if all  fresh potatoes in Canada had Innate^® Generation 2 traits, potato waste (in-field, during storage, packing, retail and food service for fresh potatoes) could be reduced by 93 million kilograms;  CO2 emissions could be reduced by 14 million kilograms; water usage reduced by 13 billion liters; and a total of 154,000 fewer pesticide hectare-applications would be needed.

For more information, read the press release from the J.R. Simplot Company.