From: Brent [Burntclay@excite.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2001 12:25 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: dockets 00N-1396 and 00D-1598


Dear Commissioner Henney, 

I am writing to let you know that I am extremely disappointed that the FDA 
continues to ignore the safety concerns of consumers and chooses instead to 
help the companies developing biotech products.  Please change the policy on

genetically engineered food to one that protects the rights of the consumer.

The proposed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations fail to require 
labels or safety tests on genetically engineered food. The new rules 
continue to deny Americans the right to know what is in the food they
consume, while protecting the economic interests of biotech corporations. 

Regardless of the safety of such products consumers have a right to know 
what is in their food.  The notion that genetically engineered foods are
"substantially equivalent" to non-genetically engineered foods is
irrelevant. Labeling genetically engineered foods would protect the public
from potential health effects that could only be traced if genetically
engineered foods can be identified. By refusing to require both labeling and
mandatory safety testing of foods, the FDA puts consumer's health at risk,
and ignores the recommendations of the Biotechnology Consultative Forum, who
in December urged the United States government to require mandatory labeling
of genetically engineered foods. 

I urge you to reconsider this proposal and insure that genetically
engineered foods are subject to pre-market testing and labeling.  Americans
have a right to make informed decisions about the food we consume. 

Sincerely, 
  a concerned American consumer,

Brendon C. Hood





_______________________________________________________
Send a cool gift with your E-Card
http://www.bluemountain.com/giftcenter/