From: Center for Food Safety [action@foodsafetynow.org] Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2000 9:09 PM To: opp-docket@epa.gov Cc: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov Subject:
LET THE EPA KNOW THAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE TREATED AS A GUINEE PIG FOR CORN THAT COULD JEOPARDIZE YOUR HEALTH!
Importance: High EPA Administrator Carol Browner Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) Information Resources and Services Division (7502C) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 RE: Docket No. PF-867B Dear Ms. Browner, I was very disappointed to learn that the EPA is considering approval of the use of genetically engineered StarLink™ corn in food products. Such an action betrays public confidence in the safety of America's food supply, and appears to be a decision made to convenience industry at the expense of public health. As you know, EPA's own scientific advisory panels have found in the past that StarLink™ corn may contain a potentially allergenic protein (Cry9C). Any new evidence suggesting that the product is now fit for human consumption directly contradicts past findings by the Agency. Accordingly, I urge you not to approve StarLink™ corn for human consumption by establishing an exemption from a tolerance. Should the EPA make the inappropriate decision approving StarLink™ for human consumption, such an action will mean that a potential food allergen will be confronting millions of unknowing consumers on a daily basis. The presence of the Cry9C protein makes any foods containing it materially different from traditionally bred foods and is a “material” fact triggering the legal requirement for mandatory labeling. Should approval occur, the EPA must work with the FDA to ensure that if StarLink™ is contained in their foods, consumers have a right to know through mandatory labeling required under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Nancy Lawrence 1623 Grey Stable Ln Highland Heights, KY, 41076 CC: FDA Commissioner Jane Henney To the recipient -- this fax/email message has come to you via the Center for Food Safety web site -- a public tool for providing input on food safety issues. The user/site visitor had complete control over editing the content of this message. Thus, the opinions expressed in this message are not necessarily those of CFS or its parent organization, ICTA. Please contact CFS at (202)547-9359 or email office@centerforfoodsafety.org with any questions. Thank you. ___________________________________________________________________________ This letter was composed at www.foodsafetynow.org, a web site maintained by: The Center for Food Safety, 666 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, Suite 302 Washington, DC 20003 PH: (202)547-9359 Fax: (202)547-9429 Email: office@centerforfoodsafety.org web: www.centerforfoodsafety.org