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The dehydration of vegetables is a relatively new industry. In the last few years, because of the needs of the armed forces and of lend-lease for a food with a high caloric value which would occupy relatively little shipping space, there has been a great increase in the number of plants which dehydrate potatoes. Most of the dehydrating plants in the state of Idaho have been in existence for two yearsor less. The majority of the plants are situated in the great potato-raising regions.
In the last two years, more than 200 cases of so-called potato poisoning or dermatitis have been reported to the Idaho Industrial Accident Board. The United States Public Health Service was requested to investigate the cause of the dermatitis among workers processing the potatoes.
We know of no other published reports of dermatitis from potatoes.
DEHYDRATION PROCESS
Six plants in which the