From: Madeline Halloway [madcatmi@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2001 10:19 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598

Dear FDA,

I am writing to express my concern about genetically engineered (GE) food products.  I believe consumers have a right to know what they are eating.  I also have environmental concerns about the practice of GE, and how it is not being adequately tested.
 
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. I understand that 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 hope the FDA remembers that it was formed to serve and protect the American public, not industries.  Let us not sacrifice health and environmental safety for a "quick fix" to the issue of providing food for our nation and the world.
 
Sincerely,
Madeline Halloway
135 East Avenue
Grass Lake, Michigan 49240