Written by Katharine Richter
On August 28, 2015, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) approved a request by J.R. Simplot Company “seeking a
determination of nonregulated status of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) designated
as Innate W8.”
According to The Simplot Co. press release, the second
generation Innate potatoes are genetically modified to provide four traits that
are beneficial, which are “1) Reduced bruising and black spots; 2) Reduced
asparagine; 3) resistance to Late Blight pathogens; and 4) Enhanced cold
storage capability.”
During the public comment period regarding the request for
deregulation, the concerns raised regarded potential cross contamination with
conventional potatoes, trade issues due to “unwanted genetically engineered
commodities in exports,” request for more research, and potential environmental
and human health concerns.
APHIS final environmental
assessment and plant pest risk assessment based on all information received
concluded “…Simplot’s Innate Potato designated as Russet Burbank event W8 is
unlikely to pose a plant pest risk and therefore is no longer subject to our
regulations governing the introduction of certain GE organisms.”
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