News on Health and Nutrition from the Americas

November 09, 2014

USDA approves Simplot's Innate GM potatoes

A potato genetically engineered to reduce the amounts of a potentially harmful ingredient in French fries and potato chips has been approved for commercial planting, the Department of Agriculture announced on Friday.

October 26, 2014

Market for Prince Edward Island Potatoes holding strong despite needle-scare

The market for Prince Edward Island potatoes is holding strong despite the recent reports from six Atlantic Canadian locations of needles found in potato shipments from an Island grower.

October 24, 2014

McCain Foods (Canada) recalls McCain brand Hashbrowns

McCain Foods (Canada) is voluntarily recalling McCain brand Hashbrowns from the marketplace due to possible plastic contamination

October 23, 2014

APRE creates President's Circle to strengthen Potato Industry Collaboration on Science Agenda

Maureen Storey, PhD, president and CEO of the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) today announced the formation of the APRE President’s Circle, a new membership category designed to strengthen industry value chain collaboration

October 23, 2014

Worker loses four fingers in workplace accident

Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Division is investigating how an employee at Oregon Potato Co. in Boardman severed four fingers on her right hand in a workplace accident

One of the earlier sewing needles discovered in a potato

October 21, 2014

Another Sewing Needle discovered in Potato

Another potato has been found with a sewing needle inside, the Prince Edward Island RCMP announced yesterday. This is the seventh sewing needle discovered in a potato.

October 16, 2014

Sewing needles lodged in potatoes at Prince Edward Island french fry plant

RCMP says metal objects were intentionally placed. Police believe all affected fries at Cavendish Farms did not leave facility.

Actual consumption by Americans as a percentage of goal (2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans)

October 11, 2014

APRE Research Highlights Potato as Important Source of Dietary Fiber

By contributing approximately 7% of dietary fiber to the U.S. food supply, new research from APRE found that white potatoes are an importance source of this nutrient for Americans.

October 09, 2014

Walmart’s steps up commitment to a sustainable food system

In front of hundreds of associates, suppliers and nonprofit organizations at its Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting, Walmart announced its commitment to create a more sustainable food system.

October 07, 2014

Suspected Food Tampering in Potatoes Packed by Linkletter Farms Ltd., Prince Edward Island

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is advising consumers of a possible food tampering situation involving potatoes harvested and packed by Linkletter Farms Ltd. of Summerside, PEI.

October 07, 2014

American Waistlines Are Still Expanding, Study Finds

American adult waistlines are still spreading, a new study finds. While body mass index, a key measure for obesity, has stabilized, American bellies have increased an inch over the last decade.

Potatoes are an important dietary source of Potassium

September 06, 2014

Eating Potassium-rich Foods Cuts Stroke, Death Risk among Older Women

Postmenopausal women who eat foods higher in potassium [such as potatoes; PotatoPro] are less likely to have strokes or to die from any cause than women who eat fewer potassium-rich foods, according to data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).

August 25, 2014

Snack Food Association releases Statement on Sodium and Cardiovascular Disease Studies

“Research released on sodium and cardiovascular disease in today’s [August 14] New England Journal of Medicine adds to the national discussion of sodium's role in the American diet,” says Snack Food Association (SFA) CEO Tom Dempsey.

August 19, 2014

Burger King Stores Discontinue Satisfries as Sales Fizzle

After less than a year of being on the menu, Burger King is getting rid of its lower-calorie french fries, called Satisfries, at most of its restaurants.

July 30, 2014

Healthier Habits Haven't Stopped the Doritos and Cheetos Snack Boom

Revenue from its Frito-Lay division increased 2 percent in North America, according to an earnings report released Wednesday, while beverage sales in the region remained flat.

Key Technology introduces a rotary polish as the new standard finish on its vibratory and horizontal motion conveyor beds, providing a smoother stainless steel surface that resists bacterial attachment and biofilm formation.

July 30, 2014

Key Technology Introduces Sanitary Rotary Finish on Vibratory Conveyors

Key Technology introduces a rotary polish as the new standard finish on its vibratory and horizontal motion conveyor beds, providing a smoother stainless steel surface that resists bacterial attachment and biofilm formation.

potato provides 6% of the recommended daily value of iron

July 28, 2014

Wisconsin Potatoes Excellent Source of Iron

Did you know one medium potato provides 6% of the recommended daily value of iron?

Chris Voigt, well know form his 20-potatoes-a-day diet

July 20, 2014

Washington potato director denies wrongdoing in republican primary

Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission, Moses Lake, is the focal point of a Republican primary election controversy involving the race between Clint Didier and his opponent Dan Newhouse.