From: Claire [cratushny_cnf@unfi.com]
Sent: Monday, February 05, 2001 10:01 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket No. 00N-1396

To:  FDA
From:  Claire Ratushny
Subject:  Premarket Notice Concerning Bioengineered Foods
	  Docket No. 00N-0396


I wanted to write to you to express my concerns about the proposed
guidelines for foods with genetically modified ingredients.  Many of us are
very much opposed to such a proposal becoming law.  We would like to be as
informed as possible as consumers of the ingredients in the foods we
purchase, as well as their derivation.  We cannot possibly know the long
term effects of GE foods; we have no scientific data or testing available to
let us know whether or not this is safe.  As a concerned consumer, and as a
person who is employed by a large entity (United Natural Foods) in the
natural foods industry, I am acutely aware of our need to produce more food
for ever more people in the world.  I am aware of our need to grow more
disease resistant foods that have a longer shelf life, also.  But our needs
have to be tempered by safety issues.  I am not a radical, nor do I solely
espouse organic foods, although I think they are beneficial to humankind, as
well as our environment.  Having said all of the above, I sincerely wish
that your agency would slow the GE process down, and allow very little of
this food to penetrate to the consumer.  Until, or unless, we are absolutely
certain of their safety, and I suspect this will take some time to
ascertain.  I also would like to ask you to please make certain that should
you allow any of these GE food ingredients to be marketed to the consumer,
these ingredients be clearly labeled so that each and every one of us can
make informed choices.  We should be allowed that as American citizens.  I
have always been a believer in full disclosure.

Thank you for registering my comments, and making my opinions known.

Sincerely,
Claire D. Ratushny
The Natural Retail Group
190 Main St.
Danielson, CT   06239

PH  860/ 779-6532
Fax  860/ 779-0157

e-mail:  cratushny@unfi.com