From: sherri@liangs.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 12:19 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Cc: sherri@liangs.com
Subject: Oppose FDA's New Regulations on Genetically Engineered Food

Sherri Liang

  
sherri@liangs.com


RE: Docket No. 00N-1396, and 00D-1598

Dear FDA,
 
First, let me say that I strongly support allowing genetically engineered foods in the marketplace.  I think that such technology can allow for more nutritious and disease/insect resistance in plants.

However, I strongly support some type of mandatory labeling.  I know that the industry is fighting mandatory labeling for fear of negative consumer reaction, but I really think it is important to provide such labeling.

For example, a person may have a severe allergy to tomato products.  If a tomato protein is present in a genetically modified cucumber, it is possible that that the tomato protein present in the cucumber may be the allergenic protein, and therefore could cause a severe reaction.  Although the chances of this happening are rare, it is a possibility, and it is something that is easily avoidable.

A simple label could indicate the presense of proteins from another organism.  For instance, using my example above, the cucumber could state that is has a protein present from a tomato to confer greater fungal resistance.  Reasonable people who aren't allergic to tomatoes or cucumbers would still buy such a cucumber, and those with severe allergies to tomatoes would be warned.

I think that with a little education (industry sponsored advertising campaign), that most consumers will accept such modified foods--even with labeling.


Sincerely,

Sherri Liang
Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program 
University of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA 92093-0685

Sherri Liang