From: mainstreet@i-plus.net
Sent: Friday, February 02, 2001 10:26 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Cc: Gerri Glass; action201@sustainableagriculture.net
Subject: Docket No.00N-1396 & Docket No. 00D-1598

Dear FDA Commissioner,

I am writing to insist that the FDA require testing and labeling of all genetically engineered and genetically modified food.

1.The FDA must require mandatory pre-market safety testing. GE foods could be toxic, cause allergic reactions, have lower nutritional & could compromise immune responses in consumers.

2. The FDA must require mandatory pre-market environmental review. GE crops and foods could cause irreparable damage to the environment.

3. The FDA must require mandatory labeling of GE foods.  Without mandatory labeling, neither consumers nor health professionals will know if an allergic or toxic reaction is the result of a GE food. Consumers will also be deprived of the critical knowledge they need to hold food producers liable should any of these foods prove hazardous.

4. The "Notification" policy is an insult to consumers and irresponsibly ignores strong scientific evidence of numerous potential health and environmental risks of GE foods. These rules appear to be a decision made to convenience industry at the expense of public health, consumer information and the environment.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Dr. Timothy Poland
210 Fifth Street
Radford, VA 24141
mainstreet@i-plus.net