From: scheibdahl@juno.com
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2001 4:56 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Request for Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods

Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857 

Dear FDA Commissioner Jane Henney, 

I am writing to request that the FDA require the mandatory labeling of
all genetically engineered foods, regardless of whether the food is in
its whole form or as an ingredient in processed foods. 

Public opinion polls show the vast majority of Americans want genetically
engineered foods labeled. (81% in a 1999 Time magazine poll.) Yet the FDA
is allowing genetically engineered foods to come to market unlabeled
arguing these foods are no different than those produced by typical
hybridization. Studies, however, show crops modified by genetic
engineering may contain increased levels of natural toxins and lower
levels of valuable nutrients. 

The FDA says that if a genetically engineered food contains a known
allergen it must be labeled. But what about the unknown allergens that
may be created in these experimental foods? Genetically engineered crops
often contain proteins that have never before been consumed by humans as
food. Further, there are serious questions about the safety of these
crops for the environment. And people with certain ethical or religious
beliefs worry about inadvertently eating genes from foods they would not
knowingly consume. 

I do not want to eat genetically engineered corn or potatoes that contain
the Bt toxin. Nor do I want to eat "Roundup Ready" soybeans or other
future products such as tomatoes that contain the gene from a fish! But
without labeling, I cannot avoid it. I request that the FDA require all
genetically engineered foods and ingredients be labeled. Thank you! 

Sincerely,

Eric Scheib Dahl
1380 Valencia Rd.
Niskayun, NY  12309