Boffins say potatoes should be stripped of ‘veg’ status – chippy owners disagree

Potatoes should be stripped of their status as vegetables to cut obesity, boffins claim.

Spuds should be rebranded as “starchy non-veg” like rice, wheat and oats, according to a new campaign.

The Dietary Guidelines For Americans advisory committee insists potatoes are “not as good for you” as other vegetables.

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But chippy owner Charlie Speller, 45, from Cromer in Norfolk, fumed: “If a potato is not a vegetable, what is it? It’s like saying a banana isn’t a fruit – or that Santa hasn’t got a beard.”

The academics in America claim spud-heavy diets have helped make more than 66% of their country overweight or obese. A recent report found most of the goodness is in the skin, which is often cut off.

This comes after boffins warned us not to eat snow. Fresh flakes contain a deadly cocktail of tiny rocks, pollution, bacteria, viruses and road salt, a new study revealed. Skiers, sledgers and snowball lobbers have been told to avoid quenching their thirst on the white powder this winter.

The report said: "Seemingly innocent fresh snow can hide small rocks and debris, creating a risk of choking or causing dental damage. These hazards are often invisible to the naked eye, making snow consumption risky.

"Contrary to popular belief, snow is not always clean and pure. As it falls it can absorb pollutants from the air, including car exhaust and industrial emissions, posing health risks if ingested."

The new research added: "Snow can host a variety of microbes, including bacteria and viruses. While many are harmless, there’s a risk of encountering pathogens, particularly in areas with animal activity or human presence.

"Snow in urban or industrial areas may contain traces of harmful chemicals, such as road salts and industrial by-products. These substances can be detrimental to health – especially when ingested."

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