From: Maia Williams [maianwilliams@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, March 09, 2001 4:04 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Dockets 00N-1396 and 00D-1598.

FDA Commissioner Dockets Management Branch 
(HFA 305) Food and Drug Administration 
5630 Fisher's Lane, Room. 1061 Rockville MD 20852

Dear FDA Commissioner,
   I am very concerned that the proposed FDA
regulations do not require labeling or safety testing
on genetically engineered food. I feel that this
places biotech company profits ahead of my safety. It
is frighteningly short-sighted, as shown by the
out-of-control Starlink corn problem.
   I have an extreme life-threatening allergy to many
nuts/nut oils, and milder sensitivity to several other
foods. Clear, detailed labeling is the only way I can
protect myself. If peanuts can be cross-linked for
example with Brazil nuts, how can I protect myself? As
an allergic consumer, I have a right and a critical
need, to know what I'm eating.
    The push to quickly approve genetically engineered
foods also is environmentally unsafe, as I understand
it is possible the Starlink corn genetic structure was
passed to non-GE cornfields by cross-pollination. This
is out of control, and the possibilities frighten me.
    Being notified of a biotech firm's intent to 
market a food produced with genetic engineering is no
substitute for thorough pre-market safety testing. The
proposed "voluntary labeling" guidelines are not
enough. When I could potentially die from an allergic
reaction, I will not trust my health to food company's
voluntary labeling.
    Please, for my sake and that of all other people
with food allergies, keep genetically engineered
ingredients and crops off the market until:
1. They are clearly labelled to protect my health and
right-to-know as a consumer; 
2. Independent, thorough safety testing demonstrates
they have no harmful effects on human health or the
environment; 
3. The biotechnology corporations that produce them
are held responsible for any harm they cause. 
     Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Maia Williams
3512 38th Ave S., Rear
Minneapolis, MN 55406

=====
Maia Williams
maianwilliams@yahoo.com

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