HJL,
Why peel potatoes? Here might be a helpful insight… In addition to aesthetics, the choice to peel potatoes may be related to Solanine toxin.
Quora: Why Do People Peel Potatoes?
Also a second link to the reference on Solanine toxin.
Here are also additional helpful links on Botulism… These provide informative reading on the subject important to the prevention of this terrible illness.
Mayo Clinic: Botulism Basics and Prevention
CDC and the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases: Botulism
FoodSafety: Botulism
– T.A.