Simplot Innate Potato Event BG25
In 2023, Health Canada received a submission to allow the sale of a genetically modified (GM) potato variety referred to as Simplot Innate®potato event BG25. This GM potato variety can resist late blight disease caused by the potato pathogen Phytophthora infestans and is resistant to infection by Potato Virus Y. It also has lower levels of the sugars glucose and fructose for the purpose of for improving processing quality and storage. In addition, this potato variety was developed to have reduced black spot bruising.
In order to determine whether this GM potato variety could be sold in Canada as food, the scientists at Health Canada conducted a scientific assessment that ensured this variety is safe for consumption. Our scientists also needed to assess how this GM potato variety was developed and whether the event can be toxic or cause allergic reactions.
Scientists with expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, toxicology, chemistry, and nutrition conducted a thorough analysis of the data and the protocols provided by the applicant to ensure the validity of the results.
Following this assessment, it was determined that the changes made to this GM potato variety do not pose a greater risk to human health than potato varieties currently available on the Canadian market. In addition, Health Canada also concluded that this GM potato variety would have no impact on allergies, and that there are no other differences in the nutritional value of this GM potato variety compared to other traditional potato varieties available for consumption.
The safety assessment conducted by FSANZ and peer-reviewed by Food and Nutrition Directorate evaluators was conducted according to FSANZ's Application Handbook, specifically its guidelines for applications for new foods produced using gene technology. These guidelines are based on internationally established scientific principles and guidelines developed through work in international fora such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and align with Health Canada's Guidelines for the Safety Assessment of Novel Foods. The approach taken by Health Canada and FSANZ in the safety assessment of novel foods and new foods produced using gene technology, respectively, is currently applied by regulatory agencies around the world in other countries such as the European Union, Japan, and the United States.