From: Barb & John van Kerkhove [bvankerk@rochester.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 11:05 AM
To: 'fdadockets@oc.fda.gov'
Cc: 'action201@sustainableagriculture.net'
Subject: Docket No. 00N-1396 & Docket No. 00D-1598

Docket No. 00N-1396 & Docket No. 00D-1598
FDA Commissioner, Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

Via: E-mail fdadockets@oc.fda.gov

I am writing concerning the proposed new rules on genetically engineered 
foods.

The proposed requirements are too weak. In fact, most of the proposed 
regulations are not requirements. They are voluntary, particularly the most 
important sections about labeling and pre-market testing.

The proposed regulations also state that genetically engineered foods 
already in the market are exempt from the new requirements. All genetically 
engineered foods or foods with genetically engineered ingredients, whether 
or not they are already on the market, should be subject to the new 
regulations. And these new regulations should have the following 
requirements:

1. The FDA must require that all genetically engineered foods or foods with 
genetically engineered ingredients be subject to pre-market (or post market 
testing if already on the market) safety testing. And the FDA should 
develop a set of strict standards, based on sound scientific principles, 
that companies must follow in their testing. In fact, these safety tests 
should be conducted by an organization independent from the company making 
and/or marketing the food.

2. The FDA must require mandatory labeling of all genetically engineered 
foods or foods with genetically engineered ingredients. Consumers have a 
right to make well-informed choices about the foods they eat and feed their 
families. If, as companies say, genetically engineered foods are safe, 
consumers should be allowed to make their purchasing choices knowing which 
foods they buy have "safe" genetically engineered ingredients in them. It 
is an insult to consumers to prevent them from making informed choices. The 
current proposed requirements for voluntary labeling do not make 
information about genetically engineered foods more accessible and 
transparent to the public-only mandatory labeling will do that, along with 
mandatory testing.

I urge the FDA to include mandatory labeling and testing in its final 
regulations.

Sincerely,

Barbara van Kerkhove


Barb van Kerkhove
99 Hickory St.
Rochester, NY 14620
716-454-6708
bvankerk@rochester.rr.com