In a bipartisan effort in the U.S. Senate, Senators Michael Bennet and Susan Collins successfully convinced the USDA to retain the classification of potatoes as a vegetable under the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The senators wrote a letter to oppose any reclassification of potatoes as a grain, ensuring that the spud would keep its title. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack personally called Senator Collins to deliver the news that the reclassification would not happen, as it would have sent the false message that potatoes are not healthy. Senator Collins emphasized the nutritional value of potatoes, highlighting their affordability, easy transport, long storage life, and versatility in recipes.
The Mayo Clinic praises potatoes for their high levels of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and B6, as well as their low calorie and fat-free content. Senator Collins expressed her delight that Secretary Vilsack confirmed the USDA’s stance on potatoes as a vegetable and urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to follow suit. Despite the USDA’s decision, the possibility of potatoes being reclassified as a grain by DHHS Secretary Xavier Becerra remains under consideration. It is unclear what decision the DHHS will ultimately make regarding the classification of potatoes, as neither the USDA nor the DHHS has yet responded to media inquiries.
The classification of potatoes as a vegetable under the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is an important issue that has garnered bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate. Senators Michael Bennet and Susan Collins successfully advocated for the retention of potatoes as a vegetable, preventing their reclassification as a grain. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack personally informed Senator Collins of the decision, emphasizing the nutritional value and versatility of potatoes in a balanced diet. The Mayo Clinic highlights the health benefits of potatoes, noting their high vitamin content and low calorie and fat-free nature.
Senator Collins emphasized the importance of recognizing potatoes as a vegetable and urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to follow the USDA’s lead in maintaining their classification. Despite the USDA’s decision, the possibility of potatoes being reclassified as a grain by DHHS Secretary Xavier Becerra is still being considered. It is uncertain what decision the DHHS will ultimately make regarding the classification of potatoes. The bipartisan effort in the Senate to protect the classification of potatoes as a vegetable under the Dietary Guidelines for Americans reflects the widespread recognition of the nutritional value of this humble tuber.
The bipartisan effort in the U.S. Senate to retain the classification of potatoes as a vegetable under the Dietary Guidelines for Americans highlights the importance of maintaining the nutritional integrity of this staple food. Senators Michael Bennet and Susan Collins successfully advocated for the preservation of potatoes as a vegetable, preventing their reclassification as a grain. The decision by the USDA to maintain the classification of potatoes as a vegetable was welcomed by Senator Collins, who highlighted the nutritional benefits and versatility of potatoes in a balanced diet. Despite the USDA’s decision, the potential reclassification of potatoes as a grain by the DHHS remains under consideration.