From: Kris L. Wood [klwood@mum.edu]
Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2001 2:36 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 

    Dear FDA:
     
    I understand that you are seeking input from the public concerning the labeling and testing of genetically engineered food in this country. I am glad that you are asking for public opinion on these issues. 
    
    This e-mail is to let you know that I am very uncomfortable in not knowing what I am feeding myself and my family and what its long-term effects might be. 
    
    I think I have the right to know how the food I am eating is produced. I am a strong believer in eating natural foods. Genetically engineered foods are not natural. I should be able to easily tell if the food I am buying and eating is genetically altered. I should have that option. 
    
    Labeling of all foods must be mandatory in order me to know what I am getting when purchasing food. I am sure that most people would like to know what they are getting. I feel I have a right to know and the only way this can happen is by mandatory labeling of all food products.
    
    Also, I think it is extremely important to have long-term testing of genetically engineered food items to be sure of their safety. Too many times in the past our government has not taken the time to find out the long-tem effects of medicines, pollutants, etc. They have been given to the public, represented as safe, and then later had disastrous results on an unsuspecting public.
    
    It seems that the FDA has a history of supporting the agricultural industries and most recently the biotech industries, rather than considering what is best for the public. The FDA must begin to put the health and safety of people ahead of economic considerations of these industries. I hope that this inquiry is a sign that you are moving more in the direction of public information on these issues and in the very least, require food labeling so the public can make informed decisions about what we purchase.
    
    If there is a way that I can be kept informed about the outcome of this public inquiry and the issues of this on going debate, please let me know.
    
    Sincerely,
    
    Kristine L. Wood
    1000 North 4th Street, SU-0447
    Fairfield, IA
    (641) 472-7000 ext. 4112
    e-mail: klwood@mum.edu