News on Health and Nutrition from the United States

Potatoes USA, the marketing and promotion board for the U.S. potato industry, elected its new leadership during its 48th Annual Meeting on March 11. The newly elected Chairman and Executive Committee will lead the 99 board members through 2020-2021.

On March 27, the House passed by voice vote S. 3548, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2 trillion bill with significant benefits to the U.S. potato supply chain.

The Idaho Potato Commission will seek the attorney general's guidance on a funding request by a recently formed association of growers.

Mahi Pono is planning to start commercial potato production on Maui, Hawaii after successful test crop. The company donated nearly 30,000 pounds of red, white and yellow potatoes of their test crop to local food banks.

Produce Marketing Association (PMA) announced Dr. Max Teplitski has accepted the role of Chief Science Officer for the association. Dr. Teplitski will lead PMA’s science, technology, supply chain and sustainability efforts when he joins the organization.

TOMRA Food has just introduced the TOMRA 3A, a vision sorter for the separation of a range of Foreign Material from unwashed potatoes. The TOMRA 3A will be showcased for the first time in North America at Potato Expo 2020 in Las Vegas

If you are living in Michigan or nearby, Purple potato chips could be on shelves at a grocery store near you this holiday season, thanks to a collaboration between Michigan State University researchers and Traverse City-based Great Lakes Potato Chip Co.

BFY Brands, Inc., the snack company which makes PopCorners® and other better-for-you snacks, and Permira, the global private equity firm, today announced that BFY has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP)

Purple potatoes are the eye-catching gems of the potato aisle. Like other members of the potato family (Solanum tuberosum), they come from a tuber plant native to the Andes mountain region in South America.

The focus for Potandon Produce LLC at the New York Produce Show this year will be on the health benefits of potatoes, and particularly of some of Potandon’s proprietary products.

Consuming potato puree during prolonged exercise works just as well as a commercial carbohydrate gel in sustaining blood glucose levels and boosting performance in trained athletes, scientists report.

Heat-related illness is one of the most common maladies to befall outdoor workers, particularly in agricultural settings.

The Idaho Potato Commission has found that the best way to communicate that potatoes are part of an active, healthy lifestyle is to show it. Therefore, the IPC sponsors several athletic programs and events that support and encourage folks to be active.

NC State grew the North Carolina sweet potato industry into a global powerhouse. Now we're leading the effort to breed sweet potatoes that could provide economic opportunities and better nutrition for people in African countries. (Courtesy: Bill Krueger)

Manufacturer of optical sorters for the potato processing industry Key Technology Introduces New Sort-to-Grade® Capabilities for VERYX® Digital Sorters

McCain Foods USA announced the closure of its production plant in Colton, California, laying off about 100 workers. The processing facility produces roasted, caramelized and sauteed frozen fruits and vegetables.

Key Technology, introduces their enhanced FMAlert™ software for VERYX® digital sorters. FMAlert captures and saves digital images of foreign material (FM) contaminants

In cooperation with Olde York Potato Chips, ALDI has voluntarily recalled 96 cases of Clancy’s Wavy Potato Chips from limited stores as a precautionary measure due to the potential presence of milk resulting from product mislabeling.