News on Health and Nutrition

FAO announced International Day of Potato 2026 theme 'Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish', highlighting role of potatoes in food security and farmer livelihoods. Focus on smallholders, resilient value chains, climate and pest challenges.

Royal HZPC Group CEO Hans Huistra joined Narendra Modi and top Dutch CEOs in The Hague to strengthen India–Netherlands cooperation, reinforcing HZPC’s growing strategic presence in India.

Royal HZPC Group continues growing its global seed potato volume above 1.1 million tonnes during the 2025/2026 financial year, despite global potato market pressure, lower prices, weaker demand and declining margins.

World Potato Congress Inc. will host a webinar on May 15, 2026, on planning for the International Day of the Potato, featuring FAO’s Makiko Taguchi and potato expert Dr André Devaux.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging helps U.S food manufacturers extend shelf life, preserve freshness, and ensure quality. However, filling packages with the right gas mix is only part of the process-testing the gas inside is essential to maintain safety.

Utz Quality Foods, LLC is recalling limited Zapp’s and Dirty chips after a seasoning ingredient may contain Salmonella. No illnesses reported. Consumers should not eat affected products and can request refunds.

Taiwan says imported processing potatoes must meet the same quarantine standards as domestic supply, with any tubers showing sprouting, rot or mold required to be removed and destroyed, according to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency.

For over three decades, starting in the early 1990’s, the World Potato Congress Inc. has made its way around the globe, providing an avenue for networking and educational opportunities focused on all thing’s potato.

Iran war disruption in the Strait of Hormuz threatens global food security as Gulf fertiliser exports are hit. Rising urea prices and supply shortages could cut crop yields in India, Brazil and China, pushing food costs higher worldwide.

Vitsab International AB introduces Freshtag®, a color-changing time-temperature label using 'Stoplight Technology' to monitor perishable foods in transit. The easy-to-use, compliant solution helps prevent spoilage, ensure safety, and protect profits.

Researchers at Lethbridge Polytechnic, Alberta, Canada, potatoes are testing if short-wave infrared hyperspectral imaging can be used to assess Total GlycoAlkaloid (TGA) levels in potatoes.

International Potato Center and National Institute of Agricultural Innovation delivered 50,000 iron-rich potato plantlets to produce 1,500 tons of seed for 1,000 ha in Peru, aiming to reduce anemia and improve nutrition nationwide.

IFA President Francie Gorman told the 71st IFA AGM that opposition to the Mercosur trade deal, securing a strong CAP budget and tackling rising costs will dominate IFA’s 2026 agenda, warning of food safety risks and pressure on farm incomes EU.

By 2040, potato wafers will delight all the senses with enhanced taste, nutrition, texture, and appearance—driven by advances in food tech, agriculture, and changing consumer demands.

Excitement builds as we mark one year to the 13th World Potato Congress, set for Oct 26–30, 2026, at Sawela Lodge, Naivasha, Kenya. Keynotes and registration launch in Nov. Stay tuned for updates and sponsorship opportunities!

Scientists have decoded the sweetpotato’s complex hexaploid genome, revealing its mixed ancestry and resilience traits. This breakthrough offers powerful tools for breeders to boost yield, nutrition, and climate resistance, securing food futures.

Potatoes SA and the Department of Basic Education partner to enhance school nutrition through the National School Nutrition Programme, showing that adding potatoes boosts learners’ energy, focus, and satiety while helping fight childhood malnutrition sustainably.

In May 2025, the Washington Post published an article entitled, powered by potatoes: Endurance athletes are chasing speed with spuds. The humble potato – cited as a mild, carbohydrate-packed fuel option – is growing in popularity among endurance athletes