From: Monte R [mrolls1@home.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2001 12:33 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: re: dockets . 00N-1396 and 00D-1598

I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed policy concerning genetically engineered foods.

I strongly urge you to reconsider the proposed policy and instead require companies to label genetically engineered foods.  I also believe these foods should undergo extensive mandatory testing to prove their safety for human consumption.
 
I do not understand why the FDA opposes labeling of these products as the vast majority of Americans support mandatory labeling.  This would at least give consumers, like myself, who have serious concerns about these products the opportunity to express ourselves through the marketplace.  The food companies who promote these products have considerable means at their disposal, through advertising, to try and convince the public that these foods are safe.

In the absence of any other justification for not requiring testing and labeling, I can only conclude that the FDA's interest in protecting consumers is secondary to it's interest in serving the food companies under it's authority.  Profits uber alles may be the mantra of the food industry but it should not be the driving force for the FDA.