From: tclemetson [tclemetson@panax.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2001 9:28 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: RE: Docket No. 00N-1396, and 00D-1598
FDA Commissioner 
Dockets Management Branch (HFA 305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fisher’s Lane, rm. 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

RE: Docket No. 00N-1396, and 00D-1598

Dear FDA,
I am concerned about genetically modified foods and strongly insist that they be labeled as genetically modified products.  

I would like to see that the genetic modification of foods be halted.  Any products that exist in the marketplace must be labeled so that I and all Americans can be informed and have the choice to buy or not to buy 

I am also greatly opposed to your new “voluntary labeling” policy, which denies consumers a basic right to know. 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 will also be deprived of the critical knowledge they need to hold food producers liable should any of these novel foods prove hazardous.

The potential consequences of using this technology is too severe to proceed without care.  The risks of health problems, allergic responses, and immunological affects makes it irresponsible to proceed without measured restraint for the public good.

The environmental risks of releasing organisms that could mix with the wild population and create affects of which we cannot concieve.  All we have to do is look at the rather benign seeming introductions of natural foreign organisms into new lands that have created widespread destructive  affects to the natural ecosystems.

I urge you to act cautiously and know that I and numerous others of members in my community are watching this area closely.



Sincerely,
Fran Clemetson
RR2 Box 2081C
Belfast, ME 04915
tclemetson@panax.com