A bipartisan effort in the U.S. Senate has successfully prevented the reclassification of potatoes as a grain instead of a vegetable under the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Democrat Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado and GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine wrote a letter opposing any changes to the classification of potatoes, which was ultimately effective in retaining the humble spud’s title as a vegetable. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack personally called Sen. Collins to give her the news that the USDA would be keeping potatoes classified as a vegetable. This decision was in response to concerns that reclassifying potatoes as a grain would send a false message that they are not healthy.
Sen. Collins emphasized the nutritional benefits of potatoes in a press release, noting that when prepared properly, they are a nutritious and affordable food with a long storage life. She mentioned that potatoes are rich in vitamin C, B6, and are naturally fat-free, coming in at 145 calories per serving. Sen. Collins also shared with Fox News Digital her favorite way to enjoy potatoes, which is a baked stuffed Maine potato with cheddar cheese on top. She expressed her satisfaction that Secretary Vilsack assured her that the USDA recognizes the nutritional value of potatoes and has no intention of reclassifying them.
The Mayo Clinic also praises potatoes for their nutritional value, highlighting their high levels of vitamin C and B6, as well as their lack of sodium. Despite the USDA’s decision to keep potatoes classified as a vegetable, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is still considering changing their classification to a grain. DHHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has the final say on this matter, and it remains unclear what decision he will make regarding the classification of potatoes. Both the USDA and DHHS did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which are determined by both the USDA and DHHS, are crucial for Americans’ dietary choices and overall health. The bipartisan effort in the Senate to maintain potatoes’ classification as a vegetable highlights the importance of ensuring that accurate and beneficial nutritional information is provided to the public. Sen. Collins urged the DHHS to follow the USDA’s lead in recognizing potatoes as a vegetable and emphasized the need for consistency in nutritional guidelines. The decision on the classification of potatoes will have implications for dietary recommendations and public perceptions of the nutritional value of this popular vegetable.
The collaboration between Democrats and Republicans in the Senate to preserve the classification of potatoes as a vegetable showcases bipartisan support for promoting healthy eating habits among Americans. The decision to uphold the vegetable status of potatoes aligns with expert recommendations on the nutritional value of this versatile and nutrient-rich food. Sen. Collins’ advocacy for the recognition of potatoes as a vegetable reflects a commitment to ensuring that accurate and evidence-based information guides dietary guidelines. The ongoing consideration by DHHS Secretary Becerra on the classification of potatoes underscores the importance of sound decision-making in determining the nutritional value of food items included in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
