Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven, along with a bipartisan group of senators, has voiced opposition to the reclassification of potatoes as a grain instead of a vegetable during the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) process. In a letter led by Senators Susan Collins and Michael Bennet to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, the group emphasized the importance of maintaining the correct classification of potatoes.

The senators highlighted the nutritional value of potatoes, stating, “Unlike grains, white potatoes are strong contributors of potassium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber.” They expressed concerns that any change in the classification of potatoes would lead to confusion among consumers, retailers, and others in the supply chain. The letter emphasized the potential negative impact on consumers' access to vital nutrients if potatoes were reclassified as grains.

Furthermore, the senators pointed out the implications for federal nutrition programs and schools, noting that potatoes play a crucial role in providing well-balanced and nutritious food. They referenced a 2013 National Library of Medicine study that supported the inclusion of potatoes in the vegetable group due to their contribution of critical nutrients.

In conclusion, the senators urged the USDA and HHS to refrain from reclassifying potatoes as a grain and to consider the evidence supporting their classification as a vegetable. They requested an update on the issue to be provided promptly due to the rapid timeline of the DGAs.