Fourteen senators oppose a potential reclassification of potatoes from vegetables to cereals by the European Union United States Department of Agriculture AND Department of Health and Human Services.
The senators submitted a letter to the USDA secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of HHS Saverio Becerra on Tuesday, arguing for the potato’s status as a vegetable based on its nutritional profile and scientific classification, The Hill reported.
The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is reportedly considering changes in food groups, including the interchangeability of vegetables and starchy grains. The proposed change has raised concerns in the potato industry, which could be affected economically by this reclassification.
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A USDA spokesperson, however, clarified that the committee is not considering changing the classification of potatoes. However, the senators highlighted the potential confusion such a change could cause for consumers, retailers, restaurateurs and growers.
This isn’t the first time USDA classifications have been challenged. In 2011, the USDA’s proposed restrictions on starchy vegetables and tomato paste on pizza were successfully challenged in the Senate.
The letter was signed by senators from potato-producing states, including Colorado, Idaho, Maine, North Dakota and Oregon, as well as senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) e Mary Cantwell (D-Washington.).
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