From: w8n2fly@juno.com
Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2001 10:40 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Genetically engineered food labeling

I would like to submit this comment as a concerned consumer of legal
voting age.  I am asking that the FDA review it's guidelines for
genetically engineered products.  At present, I feel that the measures
proposed will not adequately protect  the public from inappropriate
exposure to genetically engineered food products.

We've already seen what can happen when bioengineered products are
mishandled, mislabeled, leaving the various purchasers of these products
misinformed as to the products intended use.  If bioengineered products
are going to permeate the marketplace, I should have the right, as a
consumer, to know when and where these products are used.

It would be in the best interest of everyone involved, to require
mandatory labeling of all products that contained genetically altered
ingredients.  Some of this technology has created foods that already may
harm people by exposing them to components they may be allergic to
without the persons even realizing that component may be a bioengineered
factor in the final creation of what they've purchased.  If genetically
engineered food is safe enough for human consumption, label the products
made with it.  

Hopefully you'll view this and other comments like it with one very
important fact in mind.  It never is wise to mislead the purchasing
public where their health and livlihood is concerned.  If someone gets
sick or dies because of a fatal allergic reaction to a genetically
engineered ingredient.  What can stop the family of that person filing a
negligence suit against the company, genetical engineering lab, even the
FDA.  

You have an important responsiblity to the well being of people
everywhere.  I expect you to fulfill that responsibility by doing
everything humanly possible to safeguard our food supply.  It could be
genetically engineered ingredients may become a viable possibility but
until we as a people can rely upon it's creators integrity, we must be
cautious in our decisions to consume these products.  I want to know what
I'm consuming, don't you?

Toni West, consumer
St. Louis, MO
(w8n2fly@juno.com)