In a bipartisan move, the U.S. Senate has influenced the USDA to maintain the classification of potatoes as a vegetable in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A letter from Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) opposed any shift to categorize potatoes as grains. This effort was confirmed by a personal call from Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack to Sen. Collins, as stated in a press release from her office.
Sen. Collins expressed concerns that reclassifying potatoes could mislead the public about their health benefits. Highlighting the nutritional value of potatoes, she mentioned their affordability, long shelf life, and versatility in recipes. Collins also shared her preference for a baked stuffed Maine potato with cheddar cheese, specifically the Caribou Russet variety.
The Mayo Clinic supports the nutritional value of potatoes, noting their high levels of vitamin C, B6, and their fat-free, sodium-free nature with only 145 calories per serving. Despite the USDA's stance, the potential reclassification of potatoes as a grain by the DHHS remains uncertain, with no clear decision from Secretary Xavier Becerra yet.
Source: foxnews.com