The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Idaho-based J.R. Simplot Co.'s new genetically modified potato. But one of the company's oldest business partners — McDonald's — hasn't.
The fast-food giant says it doesn't use genetically modified potatoes, the Idaho Statesman reported. "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 this month gave Boise-based 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. Simplot is a major supplier of french fries, hash browns and other potato products for restaurant chains like McDonald's.
This isn't the first time the fast-food industry has resisted GMO potatoes. More than a decade ago, Monsanto brought its bug-resistant "New Leaf" line of genetically modified potato to market. Buyers, led by the fast-food industry, rejected the Monsanto spud, and it was pulled from production due to lack of business.
— The Associated Press
FAQs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Idaho-based J.R. Simplot Co.'s new genetically modified potato. But one of the company's oldest business partners — McDonald's — hasn't. The fast-food giant says it doesn't use genetically modified potatoes, the Idaho Statesman reported.
Does McDonald's use GMO products? ›
Yes, some of our food menu items do contain GMOs, just like many ingredients found in some grocery stores, restaurants and home kitchens. They can be found in some of our menu items that contain ingredients derived from corn, soy and canola.
What is the difference between GMO potatoes and non GMO potatoes? ›
A genetically modified potato is a potato that has had its genes modified, using genetic engineering. Goals of modification include introducing pest resistance, tweaking the amounts of certain chemicals produced by the plant, and to prevent browning or bruising of the tubers.
Are GMO potatoes safe to eat? ›
The numerologists say that a GM crop is safe because it has the same amount of amino acids and sugars as a normal crop.
Are potatoes GMO now? ›
Many GMO crops are used to make ingredients that Americans eat such as cornstarch, corn syrup, corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, or granulated sugar. A few fresh fruit and vegetables are available in GMO varieties, including potatoes, summer squash, apples, papayas, and pink pineapples.
What fast foods are not GMO? ›
There are only two national restaurant chains, Panera and Chipotle, who offer non-GMO foods and will label items that do contain GMOs. Chick-fil-A is also committed to serving chicken not treated with antibiotics in 2019 (at last report about 20% of their chicken was antibiotic-free).
What brands don't use GMOs? ›
Additionally, many supermarkets now have private label organic brands to choose from, and a few notable chains have removed GMO ingredients from some or all of their non-organic private label products: Whole Foods Market and 365 brands are non-GMO and all of Trader Joe's store brand products are Non-GMO!
How can you tell if potatoes are GMO? ›
There are several methods used to identify the presence of GM potatoes in non-GM potatoes sources. These include the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test.
What brand of potatoes are GMO? ›
There is only one brand of GM potato in the market, the White Russet potato. It is engineered to block production of a chemical in normal potatoes called asparagine, which when fried becomes a known carcinogen. Because GMO potatoes don't produce this chemical, they're safer than normal potatoes.
What potato chip brands are non-GMO? ›
Swap Ruffles for Kettle Brand Potato Chips!
Kettle Brand launched their line of natural, non-GMO potato chips all the way back in 2012... and America hasn't been the same since. Their crunchy texture, health-conscious ingredients, and fun flavors have made them a staple in households across the US.
However, it is important to note that conventional bananas are not genetically modified. As mentioned earlier, bananas are propagated clonally, meaning they are genetically identical due to asexual reproduction. Therefore, conventional bananas do not contain GMOs.
What illnesses have been linked to GMOs? ›
"Ever since GMOs have entered the food supply, numbers of irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, leaky gut syndrome, constipation, and acid reflux have sharply risen.
What are the negatives of GMO potatoes? ›
The GMO potatoes are likely to accumulate at least two toxins that are absent in normal potatoes, and newer versions (Innate 2.0) additionally lost their sensory qualities when fried. Furthermore, the GMO potatoes contain at least as many bruises as normal potatoes, but these undesirable bruises are now concealed.
Is McDonald's food GMO? ›
What's more, McDonald's supply chain already includes other food made from genetically engineered crops. There are the soybeans that go into its oil, the corn that sweetens its co*ke, and the soy and corn that feed the cows that become burgers.
What potatoes are not GMO? ›
Meijer Potato develops new potato varieties in response to all the links in the potato value chain. We do this without making use of genetic modification. All varieties and candidate-varieties of Meijer Potato are NON-GMO.
Are purple potatoes GMO? ›
Is purple potatoes a GMO? No, purple potatoes are not genetically modified (GMO) by default.
Is McDonald's chicken GMO? ›
Nope! There are no genetically modified chickens allowed in the U.S. or globally. Period!
What companies use GMO foods? ›
Bayer, BASF, Dow AgroScience, DuPont Pioneer, Monsanto, and Syngenta all sell GMO seed and associated products, including herbicides, as well as a range of non-GMO seed and products supporting agricultural production.
Does McDonald's use chemicals in their food? ›
A new study shows that chemicals known as phthalates, which have been linked to health problems, have been detected in food from popular chains like McDonald's, Chipotle and more.
Does Mcdonalds have anything organic? ›
McDonald's started a organic hamburger in Germany called the MCB , the meat is organic but the lettuce, tomato and pickles may or may not. All though September 2018 McDonald's claims to have taking all artificial ingredients from their food , they are not 100 percent organic yet.
