US DEPARTMENTS CONFIRM THAT POTATO WILL REMAIN CLASSIFIED AS A VEGETABLE IN DIETARY GUIDELINES.
THE United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) have confirmed that both agencies will keep the potato classified as a vegetable, putting to rest speculation and unrest arising from dietary guidelines proposals.
The secretaries of both associations recently issued an announcement putting to rest speculation. It stated: “Let us assure you that there is no intent and no effort underway to reclassify potatoes as a grain, nor are there analyses singling out potatoes.”
Senator Susan Collins, who represents Maine, where potato growing is a thriving industry, said she was pleased that growers and consumers have been reassured.
“The reclassification of potatoes would have sent a false message to the public that USDA and DHHS believe that potatoes are not healthy. The fact is, when prepared properly, the potato is a wonderfully nutritious food that is affordable, easy to transport, has a long storage life, and can be used in a wide array of recipes,” she said.
Senator Collins had led a bipartisan March 28th letter with Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) opposing any reclassification of potatoes as a grain instead of a vegetable, or including recommendations that potatoes and grains are interchangeable as changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) are being considered. USDA shares jurisdiction over the DGAs process with DHHS.
Senator Collins has been an unwavering supporter of Maine’s potato industry throughout her Senate service. For example, in October of 2011, President Obama’s USDA proposed a rule that would have banned white potatoes from the national school breakfast and limited its use in the lunch programs.In response, Senator Collins and Senator Mark Udall introduced an amendment that prohibited the rule. It passed unanimously. Senator Collins continues to secure language annually in the Agriculture appropriation bill that prevents USDA from imposing limitations on potatoes in the school breakfast and lunch program.
