No GM potatoes used for French Fries in China, say world's largest French fry manufacturers

December 16, 2012

In a rare joint statement the world's three largest french fry manufacturers spell out that they do not use genetically modified potatoes for their french fries in China.

The Chinese subsidiaries of McCain Foods, Conagra Foods Lamb Weston and Simplot released their statement in response to incorrect reports in the Chinese press.

And just to avoid any confusion: to the best of PotatoPro's knowledge no GMO potatoes are currently used for french fries in other parts of the world either. You will hear from us if we find out otherwise!

Related PotatoPro Newsletter: The History and Future of GM Potatoes

The joint press release:

Whereas recently some media report claims that “most potatoes in China are genetically modified” on improper assumptions, as the three largest potato products suppliers in the world, we hereby make a joint statement as follows:

Potatoes are popular across the world due to their nutrition, environment adaptability and storability. Presently, there are more than 2000 varieties of potatoes in the world, among which over 90 are grown in China. Potatoes used for chip processing must be good in shape (oblong), large in output, low in reducing sugar and with good taste. Russet Burbank and Shepody are two representative varieties;

All frozen chips and other products supplied by us in China are processed from non-GM potatoes;

As a traditional variety in the U.S., Russet Burbank has been grown for more than one hundred years and is a non-GM variety;

The said news report quotes that “according to the materials made public on Monsanto’s website, Russet Burbank is a variety of GM potato.” After reviewing the original materials available on Monsanto’s official website, we find that the GM potato in question actually refers to “New Leaf” which is a new variety with genetic modification based on Russet Burbank. As of today, New Leaf has not been introduced into China. In fact, Monsanto has ceased commercial production of such GM potato since 2001;