From: Center for Food Safety [action@foodsafetynow.org]
Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2001 7:29 PM
To: FDA Commissioner
Cc: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov; president@whitehouse.gov;
vice.president@whitehouse.gov
Subject: Remove rBGH from the market!

FDA Commissioner
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane
Room 1061 (HFA-305)
Rockville, MD 20852

RE: Docket No. 98P-1194

Dear FDA:

On January 19, 1999, the Center for Food Safety & other organizations & 
 individuals filed a legal petition with the Food & Drug Administration 
(FDA) asking that the approval of genetically engineered bovine growth 
hormone (rBGH) (also known as rBST or Posilac®) be withdrawn.  As a 
concerned citizen, I write to request that you remove rBGH from the market 
now.

In 1999, scientists from Health Canada found that the FDA failed to 
investigate studies showing that rBGH could lead to potential human health 
problems.  In particular, these pre-approval studies found that the oral 
feeding of rBGH led to thyroid cysts & prostate activity in male rats.  
The study also concluded that significant animal health problems were 
associated with rBGH use in dairy cows including a 50% risk increase of 
lameness & a 25% risk increase in mastitis (udder infections).  This new 
analysis has confirmed earlier scientific studies & provided evidence that 
milk & dairy products derived from rBGH-treated cows pose significant 
potential human health impacts such as increased cancer risks & the 
development of antibiotic resistance. 

The FDA must act to protect the American public by ensuring the safety & 
quality of our food supply.  It is especially appalling that the FDA 
allows rBGH on the market even though Canada & the European Union refuse 
to approve this dangerous product due to the clear findings of potential 
risk.  The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act mandates that evidence of imminent 
health hazards caused by animal drugs, such as those revealed about rBGH, 
requires the FDA to withdraw such products from the market.  I support the 
Center for Food Safety & other organizations filing a legal petition 
seeking that the FDA fulfill this legal obligation.

Please act now to remove this potentially hazardous product from the 
market.

Sincerely,



Rick Browne
227 W. Court St.
Doylestown, PA, 18901

CC: 
FDA Dockets Management Branch, docket 98P-1194
President Bush
Vice President Cheney
Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Rick Santorum
Representative James C. Greenwood

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___________________________________________________________________________
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