AHA Gives Idaho Potatoes Heart Healthy Certification

EAGLE, IdahoThe American Heart Association (AHA) recently certified that fresh Idaho potatoes meet its criteria for foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and can carry the well-recognized heart-check mark.

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) praised the certification and said it represents a significant milestone for the potato industry that felt the pinch of the low-carbohydrate diet fad a few years ago.

For years, the IPC has been working hard to communicate to consumers that Idaho potatoes are an important part of a healthy, nutritious diet," said Frank Muir, president and CEO, IPC. Were proud that the American Heart Association, a revered and incredibly important health organization, agrees with us. The heart-check mark is the perfect complement to our Grown in Idaho seal, a guarantee to shoppers that they are buying high-quality potatoes."

The certification allows Idaho potatoes to display the AHAs heart-check mark on packaging and displays to allow consumers to quickly and easily spot heart-healthy foods in the supermarket. Data reveals 73 percent of primary shoppers trust AHA more than any other organization to certify food products, and 66 percent of primary grocery shoppers say the heart-check mark has a strong or moderate influence on their choices when shopping.