From: Leonidas@xxxxxx.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2001 12:06 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Irradiation Labeling, Docket No 98N-1038



Food and Drug Administration, Dockets Management Branch
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20857

Dear Food and Drug Administration, Dockets Management Branch,

I want irradiated foods to be clearly and conspicuously
labeled. "Irradiation" is a commonly understood term
that the FDA should not discard for a deceptive substitute.
I am not the only individual who supports this view.
An independent opinion poll in 1999, commissioned by
the American Association of Retired Persons and the
Center for Science in the Public Interest, reflected
overwhelming support for the term "Treated by Irradiation,"
in lieu of "Electronically Pasteurized" or "Cold Pasteurized."
Just as consumers want label information about "dolphin-safe
tuna" or "low fat" foods, they also want clear information
on irradiated food.  

Please do not alter the current sensible label. Informed
choice is part of a free-market economy. Some shoppers
want to purchase irradiated foods because they want
foods with lower pathogen risks. Other shoppers may
avoid irradiated foods because of changes in taste,
smell, texture, or nutrition, or for other reasons.
FDA should not become an obstacle to prevent consumers
from making those choices by placing confusing new
labels on irradiated food. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 



Sincerely,


Ruth Strmiska
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