From: LSYNZ@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2001 6:35 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: "Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598"

Regarding the FDA's request for commens on the proposed new rules for 
genetically engineered foods, I share in common with many Americans the 
following convictions:

* The FDA must require 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.

*The FDA must require mandatory pre-market long-term health
testing. GE products could be toxic, cause allergic  responses, have
lower nutritional value, and compromise  immune responses in
consumers.

* The FDA must require mandatory labeling of GE products.  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.

* 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.

I thank you for your most enthusiastic consideration of these comments.

Regards,

Susan Thomason