NewsInternationalSimplot applies to bring GM potato products into New Zealand

Simplot applies to bring GM potato products into New Zealand

-

JR Simplot has applied to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) for approval to export genetically modified potato products into Australia and New Zealand.

Simplot is not asking to export GM potato tubers, because no tubers of any sort can be exported to Australia or New Zealand.

The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand has opposed the application, saying a large number of genetically engineered foods are already on sale in New Zealand, but consumers do not know that because labelling laws mean that almost all GE ingredients do not have to be listed on the packaging.

FSANZ stated: “The only food derived from the potato lines that could be imported includes processed foods such as frozen par-cooked chips/fries, potato crisps, potato starch and alcohol.” It did not say which of these products the company might want to export.

JR Simplot said the potatoes that are genetically modified in the U.S. are three common potato varieties: Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet and Atlantic. The potatoes have been genetically engineered to reduce bruising, to reduce acrylamide formed during cooking and to protect the potatoes from a late blight. These varieties have been introduced as Innate potatoes.

A FSANZ safety assessment on the GE potato application had not identified any public health and safety issues.

Potatoes NZ chief executive Chris Claridge said if consumers were in doubt, they should eat fresh potatoes which are all grown in New Zealand and are not genetically engineered. Otherwise they should check labels on packages, and buy only New Zealand made.

Last year New Zealand exported 99,000 tonnes of potato products and imported 14,500 tonnes.

Source: PotatoPro

Trending This Week

Building Resilience: What Role Does the CPC Play in Canada’s Potato Industry?

Canadian potato growers today must continue to evolve amid a changing agricultural landscape, where sustainable practices and technological innovation are imperative for success. Understanding these...

Manitoba Potato Industry: Grounded in Pride

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC0Ie-KRLSY   With a record-setting 650 attendees and a program packed with timely information for growers, the 52nd annual Manitoba Potato Production Days was certainly one...

Making the Right Variety Choices with Data and Expertise

0
This is a busy time of year. The holidays are behind us and you’re deep in the process of planning for the upcoming season....

Market Update – January

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4zX_MQC37A The latest Canadian Potato Storage Holdings report won't be released until mid February, but Spud Smart editor Dawn Ius and UPGC General Manager Victoria...

How to Grow More with Less

0
As the potato industry embraces regenerative agriculture, sustainability is becoming more than just a goal: it’s an expectation. Processors and buyers are setting ambitious...