Washington, DC, USA
September 26, 2023

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently reviewed a potato plant modified using genetic engineering. Ohalo Genetics modified the potato to alter the sugar profile to reduce glucose and fructose content in the potato. We reviewed the modified potato to determine whether it posed an increased plant pest risk as compared to cultivated potato. 

APHIS found this modified potato is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated potato. As a result, it is not subject to regulation under 7 CFR part 340. From a plant pest risk perspective, this potato may be safely grown and bred in the United States. 

You can view the RSR request from Ohalo Genetics and APHIS’ response letter on the APHIS website. Our response is based on information from the developers and our: 

• familiarity with plant varieties,
• knowledge of the traits, and
• understanding of the modifications. 

Under 7 CFR part 340, developers may request an RSR when they believe a modified plant is not subject to regulation. APHIS reviews the modified plant and considers whether it might pose an increased plant pest risk compared to a nonregulated plant. If our review finds a plant is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk relative to the comparator plant, APHIS issues a response indicating the plant is not subject to the regulations. 

RSR Request – Ohalo Genetics Potato 
RSR Response Letter – Ohalo Genetics Potato

Website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/

Published: September 26, 2023