Three types of genetically engineered potatoes have been approved by the U.S.

According to federal officials, these three types of genetically engineered potatoes are able to resist the pathogen that caused the Irish potato famine. Officials say that they are safe for the environment and safe to eat, yet there has not been enough testing for this claim to be proven.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration gave Idaho-based J.R. Simplot Co. permission to plant the potatoes this spring and sell them in the fall.

The company claims that the potatoes contain only potato genes and that the resistance to late blight, the disease that caused the Irish potato famine, comes from an Argentine variety of potato that naturally produced a defense.

Changing the genetic code of foods presents ethical and health issues for many people, farmers, and companies alike.

These three new varieties of potato – the Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, and Atlantic – have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to Simplot spokesman Doug Cole, the potatoes have the same taste, texture, and nutritional qualities as conventional potatoes.

The company said these GMO potatoes will have reduced bruising and black spots, enhanced storage capacity and a lower amount of the chemical that is a potential carcinogen.

Potatoes are the fourth staple crop in the world behind corn, rice, and wheat.

The Non-GMO Project, which opposes GMOs and verifies non-GMO food and products, said the new potatoes don’t qualify as non-GMO.

“There is a growing attempt on the part of biotechnology companies to distance themselves from the consumer rejection of GMOs by claiming that new types of genetic engineering … are not actually genetic engineering,” the Washington state-based group said in a statement.

Ariana Marisol is a contributing staff writer for REALfarmacy.com. She is an avid nature enthusiast, gardener, photographer, writer, hiker, dreamer, and lover of all things sustainable, wild, and free. Ariana strives to bring people closer to their true source, Mother Nature. She graduated The Evergreen State College with an undergraduate degree focusing on Sustainable Design and Environmental Science.