From: Richard Neate [rneate@mum.edu]
Sent: Friday, March 30, 2001 10:02 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598

Dear FDA,
 
This new Genetic Engineering technology reminds me of many other new technologies which were thought to be safe but ended up having dangerous side effects. Please reconsider your stance on the labelling of GE foods for the safety of the human race.
 
Please institute the following:
 
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.

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.

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.
 
Thank you.
 
Richard Neate
Dean of Men
Maharishi University of Management
Fairfield, IA 52557