From: Augustyn TD (Tami) [TDAugustyn@equiva.com]
Sent: Friday, March 09, 2001 12:00 PM
To: 'fdadockets@oc.fda.gov'
Subject: Dockets 00N-1396 and 00D-1598

I am extremely disappointed and frustrated with the proposed set of (lack
of) rules that would regulate genetically-modified ingredients in my food
supply.    I am a very health-conscious individual who suffers from bad
allergies.     I do not want to eat food that has had DNA blasted into it
from another species or bacteria.    There is tremendous amounts of
scientific evidence that this cross-species modification in our food supply
will be detrimental to our health and the environment.    Why does the FDA
choose to ignore these facts and claim that these ingredients are no
different than conventional food?

The appropriate action for the FDA to take is:
1)	It is every American's right to choose food that has not been
genetically modified and to make their own choices, such as choosing organic
over pesticide ridden food.    I want the same choice to NOT eat GMO
ingredients.
2)	Stop any further introduction of these foods (specifically wheat)
into our food supply until stringent controls and segregation systems are
100% effective and put into place.     Just like the StarLink fiasco, the
continual introduction of these ingredients is going to cost America ALOT of
money, fixing things that should have had safeguards in the first place, and
you will ultimately lose the trust of the American people and millions of
dollars from exports.
3)	Understanding that this ordeal is just now heating up in America,
and as more and more Americans realize what you have allowed to happen to
our food supply, they will speak up.   
4)	Make the bio-tech companies pay to label their foods containing GMO
ingredients - not make the poor organic industry - or those others that
choose not to use non-organic GMO ingredients - incur the cost of labeling
for a circumstance that the FDA and the Bio-tech companies have created.
All costs associated with this dilema should be paid by those responsible -
not the innocent companies and people who manufacturer and consume
traditional foods.
5)	Instill mandatory safety testing by INDEPENDENT studies before
protects can be sold and take a PRECAUTIONARY approach to their GRADUAL
release into our food supply.
6)	Require mandatory environmental review of such crops and/or products
by INDEPENDENT companies.  

Your current proposed policy is 100% unacceptable.    The American people
have said repeatedly in survey after survey that we want this food labeled,
yet you continue to ignore the wishes of the American people - the same
people that pay your salary.     If I could fire you, I would.     You waste
more time and money creating problems that preventing them and I certainly
wish the FDA and other government organizations would quit getting
financially influenced by these large companies that do not have the best
interests of the American people at heart.

There is no logic to these proposed rules whatsoever!

Sincerely,
Tami Augustyn