From: janetbazzett [janetbazzett@netzero.net] Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 11:19 AM To: fdadocket@oc.fda.gov Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598 Dear Sirs and Mesdames: Last week my friend was at a seminar at Cambridge University. A scientist there happened to mention that 'it is a good thing that Americans aren't too concerned about genetic engineering; this makes them a good testing ground for the Europeans that are concerned'. Speaking for myself and may family, we do not wish to be used as an unknowing, unwilling, guinea pigs for the Monsantos and ADMs of this world. Here is what we would like to see: a.. Mandatory pre-market comprehensive environmental review. Unlike conventional pollutants, where a given amount of pollutant causes a limited amount of damage, a small number of mutant genes could have a population explosion and reproduce forever, causing unlimited and irreparable damage. b.. Mandatory pre-market long-term (considering that BSE takes 10-12 years to appear, I do mean LONG TERM!) health testing. GE products could be toxic, cause allergic responses, have lower nutritional value, and compromise immune responses in consumers. c.. MANDATORY LABELLING of all genetically modified ingredients. . Without mandatory labeling, neither consumers nor health professionals will know if an allergic or toxic reaction was the result of a genetically engineered food. Consumers would be deprived of the critical knowledge needed to hold food producers liable should any of these novel products be hazardous. d.. The FDA must end its cozy relationship with the industries it purports to be regulating. People have been allowed to work for a biotech company, then work for the FDA writing the regulatory rules on that company's product, then go back to working for the company. Ninety-two percent of FDA advisory committee meetings had at least one conflict of interest. Please consider our long term health. regards, Diane Fountain 527 Kickerillo Drive Houston, TX 77079