McDonald’s Message: Biotech Crops Scarier Than Cancer

Like most people, I have several friends who go out of their way to eat correctly and avoid foods that are potentially bad for their health. In fact, whenever a new study comes out about a certain food item that has been shown to cause serious diseases such as cancer in mice, they are quick to eliminate these products from their diets.

However, one of the world’s largest food suppliers apparently doesn’t feel the same way. In its corporate mind, the prospect of actually using a biotech crop in its food chain is scarier than reducing the risk of causing cancer in its customers.

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Last week, I read that the USDA had approved a new biotech potato variety. Created by The J.R. Simplot Co., this potato – called the Innate – not only resists bruising, but has been altered to produce less acrylamide than other potato types. Acrylamide is suspected of being a human carcinogen and potatoes produce this chemical naturally whenever they are subjected to high temperatures (such as in a potato fryer).

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Yet, despite this potential health benefit to consumers, one of the world’s largest users of potatoes – and long-time J.R. Simplot customer – McDonald’s has said it will not use the Innate in its operations. “McDonald’s USA does not source GMO potatoes, nor do we have current plans to change our sourcing practices,” said the company in a released statement.

I find this comment funny for a number of reasons. As most fast food producers, McDonald’s is almost certainly already sourcing biotech crops such as corn and soybeans in its operations for products such as soft drinks and condiments as well as in its cooking oils. But these items are largely “hidden” from consumers mixed in with other ingredients whereas potato-based French fries are in plain sight.

Hopefully, some food company will be forward-thinking enough to give Innate potatoes a try, loudly promoting their health benefits to consumers along the way. It would be a real shame to see such a potentially important biotech product not be given a fair chance to succeed just because it is a biotech product.

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