From: Presper@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2001 10:00 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: GE Foods
To the FDA, 

    I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed rule and guidance 
on genetically engineered (GE) foods.  I feel very strongly that genetically 
engineered foods pose serious food safety and environmental hazards.  Each 
modified organism has entirely different risks, depending on the nature of 
the parent organism.  No blanket statement can be made about the safety of 
all genetically modified organisms; each one must evaluated individually.  As 
a consumer, I have the right to know what I am eating, and the right to have 
the information to decide if I want to eat it.  My specific comments 
regarding the proposed rule are as follows: 

* All GE foods and foods containing GE ingredients MUST be labeled. 

* The proposed voluntary notification policy is an insult to consumers.  If 
GMO's are so safe why are the producers opposed to mandatory labeling? 

*EACH genetically modified organism MUST be tested for human safety and 
consumption, by independent labs.  GE foods could be toxic, have lower 
nutritional value, or cause allergic reactions.  Why is the testing standard 
for genetically modified foods not the same as it is for prescription drugs? 

* EACH genetically modified organism MUST be tested for environmental safety 
BEFORE field testing.  No GMO has ever been contained once it has been 
released for field testing.  Genetic material spreads rapidly and can easily 
contaminate non-genetically modified crops and wild species.  The potential 
effect of such spread must be evaluated before hand. 

* Businesses using or promoting GMOs must provide the public and independent 
reviewers with adequate information regarding risks of GMOs.  Businesses 
using or promoting GMOs must be fiscally responsible for the contamination of 
non-genetically modified crops.  Farmers risk loosing export markets and 
organic markets if crops are contaminated by GMOs.   This could potentially 
devastate our entire agricultural economy. 

* Impose a moratorium on GE foods until long-term studies show they are safe 
for human health and the environment. 

Thanks for listening, 
Cathy & Dave Presper 
Columbus, Ohio