A bipartisan effort in the U.S. Senate resulted in the Department of Agriculture maintaining the classification of humble potatoes as a vegetable under the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
A letter written by Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado and Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine in opposition to the reclassification of potatoes as a grain rather than a vegetable states that they are responsible for keeping the spud name. be.
According to a press release from Sen. Susan Collins’ office, Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack called him directly on Tuesday to share the news.
“Reclassifying potatoes would send the wrong message to the public that USDA believes potatoes are unhealthy,” Sen. Collins said in a press release.
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A bipartisan push led by Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet maintained the USDA’s classification of potatoes as a vegetable. (Getty Images)
Collins continued, “The fact is that potatoes, when prepared properly, are an incredibly nutritious food that is affordable, portable, has a long shelf life, and can be used in a wide variety of recipes.” continued.
Sen. Collins revealed to Fox News Digital his favorite way to cook potatoes.
“The main dish is stuffed potatoes and baked with cheddar cheese on top. My favorite variety is Caribou Laset,” she said.
The Mayo Clinic praises the tubers, citing high levels of vitamin C, B6, and no sodium. Potatoes have 145 calories per serving and are naturally fat-free.
“I want Secretary Vilsack to call me directly and tell me that USDA does not intend to reclassify potatoes and recognizes that potatoes are, in fact, a vegetable,” Sen. Collins said in a statement. I’m glad that happened,” he added.
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“I urge DHHS to follow USDA’s lead and recognize the same reality.”
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) are determined by both the USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
For health-conscious consumers, nutritionists recommend boiling, steaming or baking potatoes. (St. Petersburg)
Although passed by the USDA as a vegetable, a proposal to change the classification of potatoes from a vegetable to a grain is still under consideration by DHHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
It is unclear what decision DHHS will make regarding potato classification.
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Neither USDA nor DHHS immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
