From: habuza@smith.edu
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2001 12:45 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Oppose FDA's New Regulations on Genetically Engineered Food

Hayat Nancy Abuza
41 Williams St
Northampton, MA  01060

habuza@smith.edu


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

Dear FDA,
As a family physician in Northampton, Mass, I am aware that most of my patients want and appreciate more detailed food and health information, especially on food labelling.  I believe that this should apply equally to genetically engineered foods.  

Then the consumer can make his or her own choice in a well informed way.  As a physician, I think this makes sense, no matter what I may think personally about GM foods. 

You should be aware that these foods could be toxic, could cause allergic responses, could have lower nutrition value, could compromise immune responses in consumers, and could cause irreparable damage to the environment. There is much that we don't know yet.

I am also greatly opposed to your new "voluntary labeling" policy, which denies consumers a basic right to know. Without mandatory labeling, neither consumers nor health professionals will know if an allergic or toxic reaction was the result of a genetically engineered food. 

I feel that consumers may lose confidence in the FDA if the proposed rules appear to be a decision made to convenience industry at the expense of public health and the environment. 

Sincerely,



Hayat Nancy Abuza