From: Marla Kaye Serrine [jingles@i-robot.net]
Sent: Monday, February 05, 2001 9:54 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov; action201@sustainableagriculture.net
Subject: Docket No. 00N-1396 & Docket No. 00D-1598

FDA Commissioner,  Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305) ,

Despite overwhelming consumer demand, the FDA has failed to require
safety testing, mandatory labeling and other consumer protections for GE
foods.

  The FDA must Require mandatory pre-market safety testing:  GE foods
could be toxic, could cause allergic responses, could have lower
nutritional value, and could compromise immune responses in consumers;

      The FDA must Require mandatory pre-market environmental review: GE
crops and foods could cause irreparable damage to the environment;

    The FDA must Require mandatory labeling of GE foods: Without
mandatory labeling, neither consumers nor health professionals will know
if an allergic or toxic reaction was the result of a genetically
engineered food. Consumers will also be deprived of the critical
knowledge they need to hold food producers liable should any of these
novel foods prove hazardous.

      This Notification policy is an insult to consumers, and
irresponsibly ignores strong scientific evidence of numerous potential
health and environmental risks of GE foods.  These Rules  appear to be a
decision made to convenience industry at the expense of public health,
consumer information,  and the environment.

Sincerely,

Marla K Serrine
354 E Town Hall Road
Metamora, IL 61548