From: Dahtep [dahtep@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2001 1:46 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: FDA rules on GE Foods

To Whom It May Concern"
 
On January 18, 2001, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new rules on genetically engineered (GE) foods.  Despite overwhelming consumer demand, the FDA has failed to require safety testing, mandatory labeling and
other consumer protections for GE foods.  The Rules: * Do not require mandatory pre-market safety testing; * Do not require pre-market environmental review; * Do not require mandatory labeling of GE foods; * Limit voluntary non-GE labeling; * Require a mere letter of notification prior to the marketing of a GE food; and * Are unlikely to provide the public with adequate information on GE foods for independent review.
 
The FDA must require mandatory pre-market safety testing as 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 as GE crops and foods could cause irreparable damage to the environment.
 
The FDA must require mandatory labeling of GE foods as 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.