From: Lisa Ullman [lullman@NYCAP.rr.com]
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2001 9:43 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket Number 99P-5106

Dear Sir or Madam:
 
I am writing to ask that the FDA take action on the petition submitted by Justin C. Jones of the Vegetarian Legal Action Network (Docket # 99P-5106), which requests manufacturers disclose on food labels ingredients which are now listed as "natural flavors".  I am a vegetarian.  Although I eat dairy, I do not want to eat any animal flesh or by-products.  I am very frustrated because so many foods are listed as containing "natural flavors", and I cannot tell whether they are vegetarian.  I am particularly annoyed by the recent revelation that McDonald's french fries, advertised as being fried in 100% vegetable oil and listed as containing "natural flavors", contains beef fat.  I have eaten that product regularly on the assumption that it was vegetarian.  I am frankly becoming increasingly distressed at how difficult it is to buy a simple product such as yogurt because of manufacturers' frequent use of "natural flavors".  I am a vegetarian because of personal preference, and I can only imagine how much more distressing this state of affairs is for people who are vegetarian for religious reasons, or for people who have food allergies.  I have long admired the FDA for its work in mandating food labelling, and I ask that you please assist those of us whose diets are restricted for one reason or another.  There is simply no reason why consumers should not be entitled to full disclosure in the supermarket.  Thank you for your assistance.
 
Lisa Ullman
118 Lancaster Street
Apt. # 3
Albany, New York 12210
(518) 436-7071