Wednesday, November 12, 2014

U.S.D.A. Approves Modified Potato


     The U.S.D.A has approved a genetically modified potato created by the J. R. Simplot Company for commercial planting as announced on November 7th, 2014.

     A potato was genetically modified to reduce amounts of a potentially harmful ingredient. The Potato’s DNA was altered to reduce the amounts of acrylamide. Acrylamide is a chemical that is suspected of causing cancer when the potato is fried. As well as reducing harmful chemicals, this new potato also resists bruising. For financial reasons, this is a huge breakthrough.



     The company hopes that the new potato will not only benefit farmers but also the consumers. However, with the great discovery comes some negativity and questioning. The company fears that consumers will fear the safety of the GMO. A company well known by many, McDonalds has already rejected them. Many people fear GMOs because of the way they are genetically modified. However, unlike all the other potatoes, this specific kind does not contain the genes of any other species such as bacteria, like other crops do. This potato contains fragments of potato DNA that “silence” four specific potato genes that produce certain enzymes.

     “We are trying to use genes from the potato plant back in the potato plant,” said Haven Baker, who is in charge of the potato development at Simplot. “We believe there’s some more comfort in that.”

     I think this is actually a pretty cool thing. While I was unaware that GMOs contain genes of other species, it’s nice to know these potatoes will not. If the new potato can help farmers and consumers, I say why not. Plenty of crops are already genetically modified and since this specific GMO will do nothing except reduce bruising and reduce a harmful chemical, I think it’s a great idea and I think it’s great that it was approved.

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/08/business/genetically-modified-potato-from-simplot-approved-by-usda.html?_r=0

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