According to the Idaho Statesman, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Idaho-based J.R. Simplot Co.’s new genetically modified potato. But one of the company’s oldest business partners—McDonald’s—has announced it won’t use GM potatoes. “McDonald’s USA does not source GMO potatoes, nor do we have current plans to change our sourcing practices,” the company said in a statement.
The USDA gave Simplot permission to begin commercial planting of its new spud, called the Innate potato. The company altered the potato’s DNA so it produces less acrylamide, which is suspected to be a human carcinogen. Potatoes naturally produce the chemical when they’re cooked at high temperatures. The potato is also engineered to resist bruising.
