The U.S. government has said a new, genetically modified potato is OK to eat, but McDonald's said it will not use it in its French fries and hash browns. The potato company said it changed the DNA of normal potatoes to make the vegetables better. It said the new potato has less sugar and fewer things inside it that can give people cancer. It also said the potatoes are stronger. It was confident that people would buy the new potato in supermarkets. McDonald's made a statement about the new potato. It said: "McDonald's USA does not source GMO potatoes, nor do we have current plans to change our sourcing practices." The company did not say what it thought of McDonald's not using its new potato.

French fries are one of the most commonly eaten foods in the world. They are very popular with fast food restaurants. The expression 'French Fried Potatoes' was first used in English in an 1856 book called 'Cookery for Maids of All Work'. In the early 20th century, the term 'French fried' was being used to mean 'deep-fried'. Food historians say French fries actually come from Belgium and not France. Both countries say they were the first country to cook French fries. Belgians say the word 'French fries' is used instead of 'Belgian fries' because France has a worldwide image for good food. Some people think the term 'French' was used when U.S. soldiers arrived in Europe during World War I.