From: gilbert@acns.fsu.edu
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2001 12:21 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,


Irradiated "foods" are NOT what I want; the very idea
disgusts me! And because i have every right to decide
whether or not to purchase revolting, irradiated "foods",
I want irradiated "foods" to be clearly and conspicuously
labeled. "Irradiation" is a commonly understood term
that the FDA should NOT discard for a intentionally
DECEPTIVE substitute. 
The very idea of labeling these so-called "foods" in
a confusing, unclear manner is morally WRONG. 
I am FAR from the only one who feels this way. An independent
opinion poll in 1999, commissioned by the American
Association of Retired Persons and the Center for Science
in the Public Interest, showed overwhelming support
for the term "Treated by Irradiation," instead of "Electronically
Pasteurized" or "Cold Pasteurized." The FDA wants to
use these deceptive terms in an attempt to pretty-up
the idea of irradiated "foods". Just as consumers want
label information about "dolphin-safe tuna" or "low
fat" foods, they also want clear information on irradiated
"foods". Confusing labels are WRONG and should not
be used. 
It's bad enough that this practice is becoming more
widespread; I should be given every opportunity to
make the decision whether or not to buy this junk.
I have the right to determine what I put into my body.
Confusing labels help to take away those rights by
misleading the public into believing that these "foods"
are safe when, indeed, they are not! 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't change the current sensible
label. INFORMED CHOICE IS PART OF A FREE-MARKET ECONOMY!!!
Some shoppers want to buy irradiated "foods" because
they want foods with lower pathogen risks. Other shoppers
(ME!) may avoid irradiated "foods" because of changes
in taste, smell, texture, or nutrition, or for other
reasons. The FDA should NOT stand in the way of consumers
making those choices by putting confusing new labels
on irradiated "foods". IT IS WRONG!!!!!!!!! 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 




Sincerely,


gina gilbert
p.o. box 20124
tallahassee, Florida 32316