From: ASPI [aspi@kih.net]
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2001 2:59 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov; action201@sustainableagriculture.net
Subject: Docket No. 00N-1396 & Docket No. 00D-1598

FDA Commissioner,

Thank you for the new rules on genetically engineered (GE) foods.

I would like to see added to the rules:
**mandatory pre-market safety testing,
**pre-market environmental review,
**mandatory labeling of GE foods; without mandatory labeling, neither
consumers nor health professionals will know if allergic or toxic reaction
was the result of a genetically engineered foods.

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
for the food industry at the expense of public health, consumer information
and the environment.

Jack Kieffer, Appalachia--Science in the Public Interest (ASPI)