Credit: Simplot
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced that as of September 2, 2015, publication of the Federal Register notice announcing the decision, a genetically engineered (GE) potato variety developed by J.R. Simplot Company (Simplot) engineered for late blight resistance, low-acrylamide potential, reduced black spot bruising, and lowered reducing sugars will be non-regulated.
They wrote: We are advising the public of our determination that Innate Potato designated as Russet Burbank event W8, which has been genetically engineered for late blight resistance, low acrylamide potential, reduced black spot bruising, and lowered reducing sugars, is no longer considered a regulated article under our regulations governing the introduction of certain genetically engineered organisms. Our determination is based on our evaluation of data submitted by J.R. Simplot Company, in its petition for a determination of nonregulated status, our analysis of available scientific data, and comments received from the public in response to our previous notices announcing the availability of the petition for nonregulated status and its associated environmental assessment and plant pest risk assessment. This notice also announces the availability of our written determination and finding of no significant impact.