From: nee130@yahoo.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2001 7:50 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Comments for Docket # 00P-1211/CP1 - Genetically Engineered
Food

FROM:

NAME:		Renee Lillie
ADDRESS:	5110 17th Avenue NW #403
		Seattle, WA 98107


Dear :
FDA Commissioner Jane Henney

Docket No. 00P-1211/CP1

FDA Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305)

5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061

Rockville MD 20852

I am writing to submit my concerns about the FDA's regulation of genetically
engineered (GE) foods (FDA Docket #00P-1211/CP1). 

Studies show that GE foods could create new toxins, antibiotic resistance,
allergic reactions, and other dietary risks for consumers, and therefore should
not be generally recognized as safe (GRAS). And, without mandatory labeling,
individuals with ethical or religious dietary concerns may be unwittingly
consuming foods that contain genes from other species.

I am a vegetarian, primarily for reasons related to animal welfare and animal
rights. I choose not to eat animal flesh or other animal ingredients such as
rennet, gelatin, etc. In addition, I am mildly allergic to some animal
ingredients, which I also choose to avoid. If there is no mandatory labeling,
my choice is taken away and my health could be affected.

The FDA does not allow manufacturers of herbal and natural supplements and
remedies to state health benefits that may be realized by using those products.
How can it let producers of genetically engineered foods off the hook? Due to
insufficient testing, the risks, which could be extensive, and any potential
benefits, which could be few or none, are unknown.

In addition to health risks and ethical/moral/religious concerns, GE foods pose
a significant threat to the environment because of transgenic pollution.
Genetic contamination of wild plant species threatens biodiversity. Similarly,
organic crops are being contaminated by GE crops.

To protect my ability – the ability of all consumers – to make informed
decisions about foods, all GE foods should be labeled. Food manufacturers are
already required to list product ingredients on their labels. Simply require
them to add a note that the product and/or some of the ingredients may or do
come from genetically modified sources. I want mandatory pre-market safety
testing on all GE foods. Additionally, I want a moratorium on the development
of new GE foods until long-term health and environmental safety tests are
required. 

The FDA should change its policy so that labeling of genetically engineered
foods is mandatory. Thank you. 


Sincerely,
Renée Lillie
5110 17th Avenue NW #403
Seattle, WA  98107-3846