A group of fourteen senators have taken a stand against a possible change in the classification of potatoes from vegetables to grains by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The senators, concerned about the potato's nutritional profile and classification, have submitted a letter addressing USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, highlighting the importance of retaining the potato's vegetable status.
The dispute arises from discussions within the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee regarding alterations in food groups, specifically regarding the interchangeability of starchy vegetables and grains. This proposal has raised alarms within the potato industry, which fears potential economic repercussions if such a reclassification were to occur. Although a USDA spokesperson has clarified that there are no immediate plans to change the classification of potatoes, the senators remain committed to advocating for the vegetable status of potatoes to avoid confusion among consumers, retailers, restaurant operators, and growers.
This latest challenge to the USDA's classification system is not unprecedented, as historical disagreements have occurred in the past. In 2011, the USDA faced opposition to its proposed restrictions on starchy vegetables and tomato paste used on pizzas, a move that was successfully contested by the Senate. The current letter of opposition, endorsed by senators from key potato-growing states like Colorado, Idaho, Maine, North Dakota, and Oregon, as well as other supportive senators, underscores the unified effort to preserve the vegetable identity of potatoes.